A recent update to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Cochrane was consistent with previous studies that iron supplementation during pregnancy can help to prevent anemia in mothers. New findings also highlighted iron’s potential role in preventing low infant birth weight.
 
According to Balchem, an ingredient supplier specializing in minerals including iron, 36% of mothers-to-be experience anemia, and 40% of those anemia cases are due to iron deficiency. This iron deficiency can also limit a mother’s ability to supply iron in sufficient quantities to their babies, with effects on infants’ growth, cognitive development, and cognitive function.
 
The updated analysis expands on a previous 2015 review, using a new screening tool for scientific integrity and trustworthiness from Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth.
 
Six new studies were included for a total of 57 randomized, placebo-controlled trials involving 48,971 pregnant women from 27 countries. The review concluded that daily iron supplementation during pregnancy reduced maternal anemia and iron deficiency near the due date, compared to either placebo or no treatment.
 
The new meta-analysis also shined a light on infant outcomes, revealing that women who took iron supplements during pregnancy were probably at a lower risk of delivering babies with a low birth weight.
 
“This meta-analysis underscores the critical role of iron for women’s health, highlighting the need for iron supplements that are effective, safe and tolerable for pregnant women,” said Eric Ciappio, PhD, RD, senior manager, nutrition science at Balchem. “Iron is becoming increasingly popular in pre- and post-natal supplements. However, to ensure that mothers and babies get the full health benefits from this mineral, choosing the right iron form is key. Only by prioritizing science-backed solutions, can we truly meet the needs of women, ensuring they have access to the nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy and the best start for their babies.”
 
The authors of the Cochrane review stated that “in order to improve the success of iron supplementation as a public health intervention, it is important to consider accessibility to supplementation and adherence.”
 
One of the biggest obstacles to adherence, Balchem reports, is gastrointestinal side effects. “In fact, data shows that ferrous sulfate supplementation during pregnancy can result in more than three times greater odds of GI upset versus placebo, which may put consumers off taking them.”
 
A meta-analysis found that Balchem’s Albion Minerals Ferrochel, a ferrous bisglycinate, provided greater improvements in hemoglobin status among pregnant women while also reducing GI events by 64% compared to other iron salts.
 
“This enhanced efficacy is due to the chelation process, whereby the iron minerals are shielded by amino acids which protect them from the environment in the body, supporting superior absorption and optimal tolerability,” said Ciappio. “By prioritizing the right form of iron, brands can differentiate themselves, formulating high-quality solutions that improve maternal and infant health outcomes that can effectively improve iron status while being gentle on the GI tract.”