Iron absorption during pregnancy is underestimated when iron utilization by the placenta and fetus is ignored.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Maternal iron absorption during pregnancy can be evaluated using RBC incorporation of orally administered stable iron isotope. This approach underestimates true maternal absorption of iron as it does not account for absorbed iron that is transferred to the fetus or retained within the placenta.

Objective

Our objective was to re-evaluate maternal iron absorption after factoring in these losses and identify factors associated with iron partitioning between the maternal, neonatal, and placental compartments.

Methods

This study utilized data from stable iron isotope studies carried out in 68 women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Iron status indicators and stable iron isotopic enrichment were measured in maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, and placent

SUBMITTER: Delaney KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7458780 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature