Effects of iron supplementation on maternal hematologic status in pregnancy
Sloan, N.L.; Jordan, E.; Winikoff, B.
American Journal of Public Health 92(2): 288-293
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0090-0036 PMID: 11818308 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.92.2.288Document Number: 244978
Objectives: Prenatal iron supplementation has been the standard recommendation for reducing maternal anaemia in developing countries for the past 30 years. This article reviews the efficacy of iron supplementation on haemoglobin levels in pregnant women in developing countries. Methods: Data from randomized controlled trials published between 1966 and 1998 were pooled. Meta-analyses of the relative change in maternal haemoglobin associated with iron supplementation were stratified by initial haemoglobin levels, duration of supplementation, and daily gestational supplement dose and supplementation with other nutrients. Results: Iron supplementation raises haemoglobin levels. Its effects are dose dependent and are related to initial haematological status. The extent to which iron supplementation can reduce maternal anaemia is unclear. Conclusions: The extent to which maternal haemoglobin levels can be increased by recommended prenatal supplementation is limited and has uncertain physiological benefits. Other approaches, including food fortification and prevention and treatment of other causes of anaemia, require methodologically rigorous evaluation to find effective answers to this global problem.