If solids are delayed beyond 12 months, which nutrient is most likely deficient?

If solids are delayed beyond 12 months, which nutrient is most likely deficient?

• A. Vitamin B6
• B. Phosphorus
• C. Iron
• D. Calcium

Answer: (C)

Introducing solids later than about a year disrupts meeting rising iron needs. After about 6 months, infants’ iron requirements increase, and breast milk alone no longer supplies enough iron. Delaying iron-rich complementary foods—such as meat, iron-fortified cereals, and legumes—means iron intake may fall short, and iron stores can be depleted, making iron deficiency the most likely deficiency in this scenario. While calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6 are important, deficiencies in those nutrients are not as directly tied to delaying solids beyond 12 months as iron deficiency is.

Introducing solids later than about a year disrupts meeting rising iron needs. After about 6 months, infants’ iron requirements increase, and breast milk alone no longer supplies enough iron. Delaying iron-rich complementary foods—such as meat, iron-fortified cereals, and legumes—means iron intake may fall short, and iron stores can be depleted, making iron deficiency the most likely deficiency in this scenario. While calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6 are important, deficiencies in those nutrients are not as directly tied to delaying solids beyond 12 months as iron deficiency is.