The only way to lose iron is through blood loss; otherwise the body recycles and re-uses iron. Women lose iron with menstrual bleeding. If a man is anemic, or in the case of a non-menstruating women colon cancer needs to be ruled out. During pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume will increase by 50%, and therefore she will require more iron. The body will actually absorb more iorn when there is a need. However, in the face of iron supplementation, even without a need for more iron the body will absorb it and it will get deposited in organs …leading to hemochromatosis.

So, iron supplementation is a balancing act. Not all anemias are due to an iron deficiency. Iron deficiency anemia needs to be properly diagnosed, AND more importantly, properly treated with iron. Repeat blood tests for resolution of iron deficiency anemia need to be done so that a person does not get an iron overload.

About 5 children die every year in the U.S. from iron overload (consumed through taking too many kids vitamins, which they eat in place of candy).

Some companyies, such as USANA, choose not to put iron in their products to avoid the iron overload potential. Therefore, it is up to each individual to have regular check ups, and if iron is required let the doctor recommend and follow such treatment.

Otherwise, iron levels remain fairly stable from an adequate diet once the body has adequate iron stores.

If this is the case, then try using the vanilla nutrimeal that contains only soy protein (and add fruit to flavor the meal drink). Doing this should sort out the cause of the possible allergic reaction.

Alternatively, there is a blood test that tests for 90 different food allergies. It tests for IgG antibodies present to many different proteins found within food, including soy, casein (dairy protein, such as whey), etc. The lab I used for the IgG food allergy blood test when I practiced medicine in the Atlanta area was called Metametrix; blood can be sent to them for testing. Contact them through their website: http://www.metametrix.com.

However, I am unaware of exactly what levels of each individual nutrient is being secreted, and therefore do not know the exact dose that an breast-feeding infant is obtaining. (Certainly, it is more healhty than any other supplements or prenatal vitamin a mother could take, but I am unaware of the exact dose.)

To answer the question as to whethre the baby “needs” additional vitamin/mineral supplementation through infant drops, the only answer can be that it is not a bad idea, especially if the pediatritian recommends it. It could not hurt, and may only help. Either way, it’s not going to be “too much” for the baby.

Certainly, I am in favor of krill oil, like I am in favor of fish oil. If a person choses to use krill oil that is great. My main concern, as usual, whether a person is supplementing with fish or krill oil is that people get quality supplements: supplements that are both potent and pure …free of toxins, PCB’s, and organic residues.

The fish oil that I take contains a bit of lemon oil which eliminates the fishy burp, as well as additional vitamin D to help eliminate the vitamin D deficiency epidemic (please see “In the News Updates” on my website about vitamin D). Most importantly, my main concern is that any supplement one is taking is of the highest purity and potency available.