Abstract
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency leading to anemia in pregnancy. Conventionally, non-heme form of iron salts has been the mainstay of treatment. However, patient compliance is an important concern with existing oral iron therapy due to gastrointestinal side effects. Heme iron, a better bioavailable and tolerable form of iron can be suitable form of iron for supplementation in pregnancy. Evidence suggests its utility in pregnancy for treatment of iron deficiency anemia with benefits extending to postpartum period. Effective transfer across placenta to fetus further supports its utility in pregnancy. This review discusses in details the absorption kinetics along with clinical evidence on efficacy, safety, and tolerability of heme-iron supplementation in iron deficiency anemia of pregnancy.
Highlights
Anemia is a condition of red blood cells’ insufficiency hampering their oxygen-carrying capacity to suffice body’s physiologic needs
Evidence suggests its utility in pregnancy for treatment of iron deficiency anemia with benefits extending to postpartum period
This review discusses in details the absorption kinetics along with clinical evidence on efficacy, safety, and tolerability of heme-iron supplementation in iron deficiency anemia of pregnancy
Summary
Anemia is a condition of red blood cells’ insufficiency hampering their oxygen-carrying capacity to suffice body’s physiologic needs. Iron requirements during pregnancy are significantly higher as compared to the non-pregnant women. As intolerance and non-compliance to non-heme iron may limit its efficacy during pregnancy [6], use of heme iron supplement will be helpful to improve adherence to therapy and achieve continued therapy throughout the pregnancy. Given these advantages with heme iron, this article covers detailed review of heme iron supplement in management of IDA of pregnancy
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