Which condition is directly associated with a lack of iron due to reliance on breastmilk alone?

The condition that is directly associated with a lack of iron due to reliance on breastmilk alone is anemia. Breastmilk, while highly nutritious, contains relatively low levels of iron. For infants who are exclusively breastfed beyond six months, the demand for iron exceeds what is provided by breastmilk alone. This lack of sufficient iron intake can lead to deficiency, resulting in anemia, characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which is essential for transporting oxygen in the body.

Anemia during infancy can have significant implications for growth and development, as iron is crucial for cognitive function and physical health. To prevent this, it's recommended to introduce iron-rich solid foods to a baby's diet around the age of six months, alongside continued breastfeeding. In contrast, the other conditions mentioned, such as xerophthalmia, beriberi, and stunted growth, are associated with deficiencies of other nutrients: xerophthalmia is linked with a lack of vitamin A, beriberi with a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1), and stunted growth can result from various nutritional deficits, but it’s not specifically tied to iron deficiency alone.