According to a latest study me and my colleagues carried out. What was particularly surprising was that the women were in good health.
Working with the University of Minnesota and the Masonic Developing Brain Institute, we analyzed data from 641 participants from the Republic of Ireland. They were all pregnant with their first child. We took blood samples at weeks 15, 20 and 33 to ascertain iron levels.
Our study, one of the most important of its kind in the world, shows how common iron deficiency is even in wealthy countries like Ireland. Indeed, women in this study had higher rates of iron deficiency than women in some low-income countries where access to good health care and nutritious food is more limited.
In the early months of pregnancy, 20% of women were iron deficient at week 15, but none were anemic. However, by the third trimester, greater than 80% of women were iron deficient. This suggests that although many women may start pregnancy with normal levels of iron, they are not getting enough iron to satisfy their body’s increasing needs because the pregnancy progresses.
One of probably the most surprising facets of this study is that roughly 75% of women took iron supplements that met the European really useful each day iron intake of 15–17 mg. Although this complement had a protective effect for some women, iron deficiency was still extremely common in the third trimester.
Why iron is so essential
Pregnant women require ten times more iron while pregnant to satisfy your personal needs and people of your growing baby. Both mother and baby use it to distribute oxygen throughout the body, which is vital for the right functioning of all cells and organs.
Low iron levels are related to greater risk of harm to mother and baby.
Iron deficiency can have long-term consequences on child’s brain developmentresulting in weaker cognitionbehavioral problems and poorer motor skills. My previous research showed that iron deficiency in adolescence is related to behavioral problems on the age of five.
Our research suggests that women must be routinely tested for iron deficiency in early pregnancy. Currently, screening for the early stages of iron deficiency isn’t the norm in Ireland, or in many of them other countrieswhich suggests many women do not realize they’ve low iron levels until late in pregnancy – or do not realize it in any respect.
Screening in early pregnancy may also help discover those most in danger of deficiency, enabling them to get help before it becomes an issue.
In addition to screening tests, there’s a necessity for this educate women on the importance of iron while pregnant. Women are encouraged to give attention to a weight-reduction plan wealthy in ironincluding beef, green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts and dried fruits. While iron from animal foods is absorbs more easilyIron-rich foods, each animal and plant, are essential.
Routine screening and higher education concerning the importance of iron while pregnant are crucial to learn families and avoid unnecessary risks.