True or False: Breast milk does contain iron but in insufficient amounts.

Breast milk does indeed contain iron; however, the amount is relatively low compared to what is found in formula and solid foods. This is a significant aspect of infant nutrition, as while breast milk provides many essential nutrients that support growth and development, it is not a primary source of iron.

Despite the low levels of iron in breast milk, the iron it does contain is highly bioavailable, meaning that the body can absorb and utilize it effectively. This is beneficial for infants in the early months of life. However, as infants grow and their iron needs increase, especially around six months of age, additional sources of iron become necessary, such as iron-fortified cereals or other iron-rich foods.

The answer reflects an understanding that breast milk alone, while excellent in many respects, does not meet the increasing iron requirements of a developing infant, particularly as they approach the age when complementary foods are introduced. Therefore, this question encourages awareness of the nutritional components of breast milk and underscores the importance of monitoring an infant's iron intake from other sources as they grow.