Effect of infant feeding practices on iron status in a cohort study of Bolivian infants

Background Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, with potentially severe consequences on child neurodevelopment. Though exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended for 6 months, breast milk has low iron content. This study aimed to estimate the effect of the length of EBF on iron status at 6 – 8 months of age among a cohort of Bolivian infants.