The iron is an important component of the RBCs (Red blood cells). The hemoglobin is made with the iron. It helps in the transport of oxygen throughout the body. The infants need significant amount of iron in order for a proper growth and healthy growth of their body and brain. The babies generally get this iron form the mother's milk, but iron-fortified formula can also be used. The requirement of the iron of the infants is certainly much more than the adults pound by pound. Where an infant needs 11 mg of iron daily, and adult of 18 years needs the same amount despite his larger size.
However, their requirement is not dependent on their gender as the boys and girl infants both need same amount of iron as they grow with same rate.
Hence, the answer is infants need significantly more iron than adults, pound for pound.
