Nutrition during pregnancy Latvia eng

5.6.4   Iron  

The  requirement  for  iron  increases  during  pregnancy,  especially  during  the  second  half,  when  

the  volumes  of  blood  and  erythrocytes  increase  and  the  fetus  and  placenta  require  more  iron.  

Furthermore,  absorption  of  iron  increases  considerably  during  pregnancy,  as  there  is  no  loss  of  

blood   through   menstruation.   It   is   important   to   ensure   that   the   intake   of   iron   from   food   is  

sufficient  during  pregnancy.  The  capacity  for  iron  absorption  depends  significantly  on  the  type  

of  food,  other  foods  eaten  at  the  same  time  and  physiological  requirements.  Haem  iron  is  the  

form   that   is   best   absorbed,   and   lean   red   meat   and   fish   should   be   eaten   regularly.   Although  

foods   of   plant   origin,   including   wholegrain   products   and   vegetables,   also   contain   large  

quantities  of  iron,  its  bioavailability  is  much  lower.  Vitamin  C  significantly  increases  the  uptake  

of  iron  (from  e.g.  citrus  fruit  juice),  while  fermented  and  non-­‐fermented  tea,  coffee,  wholegrain  

products  and  products  rich  in  calcium  decrease  uptake.  Therefore,  it  is  important  to  avoid  eating  

iron-­‐containing  food  at  the  same  time  as  food  that  delays  iron  absorption;  a  2-­‐h  interval  should  

be  observed.  Plasma  ferritin  levels  should  be  normal  before  conception  and  during  pregnancy.    

Iron-­‐containing   supplements   should   be   used   if   the   iron   reserves   are   insufficient,   which   may  

result  in  reduced  haemoglobin  production;  anaemia,  in  turn,  is  associated  with  lower  immunity  

and   higher   risks   for   infectious   diseases,   less   productivity,   cognitive   disorders   and   emotional  

stress  in  the  postnatal  period,  higher  risks  for  maternal  mortality,  premature  delivery  and  low  

birth  weight,  as  well  as  placental  abruption  and  blood  loss  after  delivery.  

The  fetus  is  relatively  

well  protected  against  iron  deficiency  due  to  transporter  proteins  in  the  placenta.  Nevertheless,  

maternal  iron  deficiency  is  associated  with  a  greater  frequency  of  iron  deficit  anaemia  in  the  

newborn  by  the  age  of  3  months,  with  delayed  psychomotor  and/or  mental  development.  This  

may   have   a   negative   effect   on   social   and   emotional   behaviour   and   possibly   be   linked   with  

disease  later  in  life.  

 

Preventive   use   of   iron   supplements   is   not   advised   in   every   pregnancy,   as   excessive   iron   can  

have  negative  consequences.  Supplements  should  be  taken  only  if  indicated.