How long can the iron stored in a newborn's liver last if the mother's iron intake has been adequate?

The correct answer indicates that the iron stored in a newborn's liver can last approximately 5 months when the mother's iron intake is adequate during pregnancy. During gestation, a mother transfers iron to her baby, which accumulates in the liver and is crucial for the infant's development, especially for building red blood cells.

This storage is particularly important because newborns have relatively low dietary sources of iron after birth, relying on the reserves they've acquired in utero to support their growth and development during the early months of life. After the initial 5 months, the stored iron begins to deplete, making it essential for the infant to receive iron from dietary sources as they begin consuming solid foods or iron-fortified formula.

Inadequate maternal iron intake can reduce the amount of iron transferred to the newborn, potentially leading to iron deficiency anemia later on. Therefore, the 5-month timeframe represents an optimal balance between the storage capability and the infant's growth needs, highlighting the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy.