Antenatal iron supplementation and birth weight in conditions of high exposure to infectious diseases.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A recent cohort study among Papua New Guinean women surprisingly showed iron deficiency during pregnancy to be associated with increased birth weight. These findings seemingly contradict previous trial evidence that iron supplementation leads to increased birth weight, particularly in iron-deficient women, and hence require explanation.

Main text

We have re-analysed data from a previous trial in Kenya and demonstrated that, because women who were initially iron deficient respond better to iron supplementation, they show an increase in birthweight. There is evidence that this benefit is decreased in iron-replete women, possibly due to the adverse effects of haemoconcentration that can impair oxygen and nutrient transfer across the placenta. The Papua New Guinean re

SUBMITTER: Verhoef H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6659278 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature