Why might an infant with iron-deficiency anemia not improve despite taking iron supplements?

An infant with iron-deficiency anemia may not improve despite taking iron supplements due to the administration of these supplements with whole cow's milk. Cow's milk is not only low in iron but also has compounds that can hinder the absorption of iron. Calcium present in cow's milk competes with iron for absorption in the intestines, potentially leading to reduced effectiveness of the iron supplements being provided. Additionally, the protein in cow's milk can irritate the intestinal lining, which may further impair iron absorption.

Moreover, introducing cow's milk before the age of one is not recommended, as it can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and potentially cause occult blood loss, exacerbating anemia. Therefore, using cow's milk as a vehicle for iron supplementation could negate the benefits of the iron and hinder the recovery of the infant from anemia.

Other options, while they have their roles in administration, do not directly relate to a significant impact on iron absorption as cow's milk does. For example, vitamin C in orange juice can actually enhance iron absorption, and methods of administering supplements such as using a straw or placing it at the back of the mouth are not likely to affect the fundamental issue of absorption related to cow's milk. Thus, the presence of whole cow's milk alongside