Maternal iron intake, haemoglobin, and breast milk iron concentration in exclusive breastfeeders

¹ Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, State University of Malang, 65145 Malang, Indonesia
² Department of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, 53122 Purwokerto, Indonesia
³ Kedungkandang Subdistrict, 65138 Malang, Indonesia

^1* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Maternal iron status (intake and haemoglobin levels) and the iron concentration in breast milk are critical determinants of infant health and development. This research aimed to analyse the associations among maternal iron intake, maternal haemoglobin levels, and the iron content of breast milk. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Malang City, Indonesia, from July to September 2025, involving 31 mothers providing exclusive breastfeeding for their infants. Maternal dietary iron intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), breast milk iron (Fe) content was analyzed using spectrophotometry, and haemoglobin levels were measured by flow cytometry. The mean iron content of breast milk was 0.06+0.10mg/dL, while the mean of maternal haemoglobin concentration was 12.3+1.1g/dL. The average dietary iron intake among mothers was 22.5+12.3 mg/day. The Spearman correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between breast milk iron content and maternal haemoglobin level (r=0.0068, p>0.05). Maternal dietary iron intake showed no significant correlation with breast milk iron content (r=0.063, p>0.05) and with maternal haemoglobin concentration (r=0.344, p>0.05). These findings imply that variations in maternal dietary iron and haemoglobin levels have minimal influence on breast milk iron concentration, which is likely maintained through physiological regulation independent of maternal intake.