Which statements are true in terms of the nutritional needs of an infant during development?Vitamin D supplementation is necessary for both breastfed and formula-fed infants if vitamin D intake is less than 400 IU per day.

Iron stores are exhausted at around 6 months, so infants need to begin consuming iron-fortified solid foods.

Before 6 months of age, breastfeeding or formula feeding can meet the nutritional needs of an infant.


For the most part, the micronutrient needs of the infant can be met by human milk. A notable exception, described in Section 19.2, is vitamin D. Recall that the AAP recommends 10 micrograms per day of supplemental vitamin D for all infants (breastfed and formula-fed) until their dietary intake supplies this amount. For infants who are breastfed by women who follow a vegan dietary pattern, have had bariatric surgery, or have pernicious anemia, vitamin B-12 supplements are recommended. Last, if an infant has depleted iron stores (e.g., preterm birth or mother was deficient in iron during pregnancy), iron supplementation may be needed.

By about 4 to 6 months of age, the infant is ready to start eating complementary foods. Complementary foods are age-appropriate solid foods that complement (rather than replace) breast milk or infant formula, at least initially.