Iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia in pregnancy, and anemia during pregnancy is a risk factor for premature birth.
A new study has shown how the consumption of iron has another important role in pregnancy – reduces the risk of low birth mass and increases the weight of the child.
American and British researchers reviewed more than 90 studies that are considered in studying the effect of iron input in the form of supplements food during pregnancy. The study included nearly 2 million women and reveal a role for iron in pregnancy.
The results showed that iron in the form of supplements food increases the level of hemoglobin in the mother and reduces the risk of anemia. The analysis showed, how mothers with anemia in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, have a significantly higher risk of low birth mass of baby and premature birth.
For every increase of consumption of iron-10 mg, well, up to a maximum of 66 mg, the risk of anemia was lower by 12 percent, birth mass increased for 15 g and risk of low birth mass decreased by 3 %.
The authors of the study concluded that iron intake during pregnancy is important link in the chain of preventive mother’s anemia and low birth weight of the child, and the prevention of anemia will help Prenatas – new Pharmasov food supplement intended for pregnant women, which besides iron contains other key nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.
Sources: Haider, BA et al. Anaemia, prenatal iron use, and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2013 Jun 21;346:f3443.