Iron

Iron Claims

Iron plays an important role in both a mother and her developing baby during pregnancy by assisting in oxygen transport to body tissues. Iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. 

An adequate supply of iron during pregnancy helps ensure enough healthy red blood cells are produced to provide oxygen to the growing baby and meet the mother's increased blood volume.

Why Iron Is Important During Pregnancy

In the mother, extra iron is needed to support the expansion of blood volume by up to 50%. This allows for increased blood flow to support the demands of the growing placenta and fetus. Without sufficient iron, the mother is at risk of anemia which can cause fatigue, weakness and complications.

In the fetus and newborn, iron is critical for growth and organ development. Around 80% of the iron present in a newborn at delivery is accumulated during the last trimester of pregnancy. This iron is stored and used after birth to support brain growth and development in the first few months of life. Babies born with low iron stores are at risk of iron deficiency anemia which can impact cognitive development and immune function.

Iron Maintains and supports energy levels

When a woman is pregnant, her body requires more energy to support the growth and development of the fetus. This extra energy demand places stress on the mother's iron stores.

Oxygen is critical for cells to produce energy through a process called cellular respiration. When a pregnant woman is low in iron, her red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels decrease. This limits the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to cells for energy production. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia like fatigue and weakness are caused by inadequate cellular energy.

During pregnancy, a woman's red blood cell count increases by up to 50% to meet the oxygen needs of the growing fetus. This increase requires more iron to make the additional hemoglobin. Iron also helps expand blood plasma volume which allows more oxygen to be delivered to tissues. Without sufficient iron, a pregnant woman cannot produce enough new red blood cells to support the extra oxygen demands placed on her body. As a result, she will feel more tired and low in energy.

To ensure adequate iron intake during pregnancy, prenatal vitamins with iron are beneficial. Additionally, good dietary sources of iron include red meats and organ meats, legumes, dried fruit and leafy green vegetables. In cases of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, additional iron supplements may be necessary. 

References:

Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2014). Herbs & Natural Supplements – An Evidence-Based Guide. Elsevier.

Murray, M. (1996). Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Harmony.

Gropper, S., Smith, J., & Groff, J. (2009). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism (5th ed.). Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Reavley, N. (1998). The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs. Bookman Press.

Zimmermann, M. B. (2001). Burgerstein's Handbook of nutrition: Micronutrients in the prevention and therapy of disease. Georg Thieme Verlag.