To determine whether blood cadmium concentration is elevated in iron-deficient infants.

Blood cadmium and serum ferritin concentrations, serum iron/total iron-binding capacity (Fe/TIBC) and complete blood counts were measured in 31 iron deficient and 36 control infants, aged 6–24 months. All 31 iron-deficient infants received iron supplementation for 1–6 months.

Blood cadmium concentrations were measured again in 19 of the iron deficient infants after their ferritin levels returned to the normal range. The mean blood cadmium concentration did not differ significantly in iron deficient and control infants. The mean blood cadmium concentration in the 19 iron-deficient infants was not significantly altered by ferric hydroxide treatment, while their hemoglobin, ferritin, and Fe/TIBC (%) concentrations were significantly higher after than before treatment.

These findings indicate that iron deficiency does not increase blood cadmium concentrations in infants, in contrast with the effects of iron deficiency on manganese and lead concentrations.