Why does WIC limit formulas to iron fortified?
One of WICs goals is to reduce rates of anemia. If a mother chooses not to breastfeed, iron fortified formulas help prevent anemia. WIC does not provide low iron formulas because they do not provide enough iron for normal growth and development. Lack of iron can impact cognitive development and affect learning later in life. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend iron-fortified formula for all formula fed infants for the entire first year of life.
One of WIC’s goals is to reduce rates of anemia. If a mother chooses not to breastfeed, iron fortified formulas help prevent anemia. WIC does not provide low iron formulas because they do not provide enough iron for normal growth and development. Lack of iron can impact cognitive development and affect learning later in life. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommend iron-fortified formula for all formula fed infants for the entire first year of life.
