Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy

Abstract

Through its functions in oxygen delivery, electron transport, and enzymatic activity, iron is crucial for the operation of all cells. High metabolic rate cells need more iron and are more likely to malfunction when there is an iron deficit. Since the mother's blood volume expands during pregnancy, and the fetus grows and develops, there is a sharp increase in the need for iron. Negative pregnancy outcomes, such as increased maternal sickness, low birthweight, preterm, and intrauterine growth restriction, are linked to iron deficiency. IDA, or nutritional iron deficiency anemia, affects more than two billion people worldwide and is the most prevalent disease. Based on the regression-based analysis, the prevalence of anemia in the World Health Organization's global database was calculated to be 14%. According to recent data, there are 17.4% more IDA cases among pregnant women in industrialized countries than in poor ones (up to 56% more cases). Despite the fact that oral iron supplementation is frequently used to treat IDA, not all patients benefit from oral iron therapy. This is caused by a number of things, which include the adverse effects of oral iron, resulting in low compliance and ineffectiveness. In a sizable group of patients taking oral iron preparations, the adverse effects primarily include GI symptoms. Intravenous iron was previously underutilized since it was linked to unfavorable and occasionally dangerous side effects. New type II and III iron complexes have been created recently, though, and they offer superior compliance and toleration in addition to strong efficacy and a good safety profile.

Real-world evaluation of safety and effectiveness of ferrous bis-glycinate and its combination in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia

“…Anemia during pregnancy is commonly seen among women in developing nations; suggesting that pre-existing iron stores are insufficient to fulfil the physiologic changes leading to increased iron requirement brought on by pregnancy. 10 Oral iron supplementation is frequently used to treat IDA, but not all patients benefit from this therapy. Most of the conventional oral iron preparation contain ferrous sulphate or ferrous fumarate.…”

“…Overall resulting in poor compliance and ineffectiveness. 10 Ferrous bis-glycinate is a highly stable amino acid chelate that is formed by the binding of two molecules of glycine to one Fe2+ atom. The molecule has a high bioavailability of iron since it is absorbed intact through the intestinal mucosal cells and then the iron is dissociated from ferrous bis-glycinate followed by distribution to the tissues.…”

How Maternal Nutritional and Mental Health Affects Child Health During Pregnancy: A Narrative Review

“…Insufficient iron can lead to reduced blood volume and compromised cardiac output in the fetus, potentially resulting in developmental issues in the heart and other organs. Furthermore, iron plays a crucial role in the immune system, and deficiency during pregnancy can weaken the child's immune response, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases [ 17 ]. Pregnant women must get enough iron to avoid these potential effects on organ development.…”

Gestational stage-specific association of hemoglobin concentration with the risk of preterm birth and small for gestational age

“…Iron demand increases in the mother due to increased red blood cell counts and continuous fetal-and placental-maternal transfer. 4,5) Therefore, an appropriate intervention with iron supplementation is necessary for IDA during pregnancy, especially in severe cases, although there is no established evidence that iron supplementation is effective for improving obstetrical outcomes. [6][7][8] Hb concentration is commonly used as a representative parameter to assess anemia.…”