The Benefits and Risks of Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy and Childhood

2019/05/15 by Michael K. Georgieff, Michael Georgieff, Nancy F. Krebs +1 · 1 citation
Medicine · Nursing · #Iron Metabolism and Disorders #Child Nutrition and Water Access #Trace Elements in Health

paper · pdf · doi:10.1146/annurev-nutr-082018-124213

Abstract

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the world and disproportionately affects pregnant women and young children. Iron deficiency has negative effects on pregnancy outcomes in women and on immune function and neurodevelopment in children. Iron supplementation programs have been successful in reducing this health burden. However, iron supplementation of iron-sufficient individuals is likely not necessary and may carry health risks for iron-sufficient and potentially some iron-deficient populations. This review considers the physiology of iron as a nutrient and how this physiology informs decision-making about weighing the benefits and risks of iron supplementation in iron-deficient, iron-sufficient, and iron-overloaded pregnant women and children.

Citations

• High and low hemoglobin levels during pregnancy: differential risks for preterm birth and small for gestational age
• Maternal Serum Ferritin Concentration Is Positively Associated with Newborn Iron Stores in Women with Low Ferritin Status in Late Pregnancy
• Iron status of toddlers, nonpregnant females, and pregnant females in the United States
• Introduction to workshop on iron screening and supplementation in iron-replete pregnant women and young children

Cited by

• The benefits and harms of oral iron supplementation in non-anaemic pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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