Iron and Iodine Status in Pregnant Women from A Developing Country and Its Relation to Pregnancy Outcomes.

Sehar Iqbal,Petra Rust,Lisbeth Weitensfelder,Michael Kundi,Hanns Moshammer,Inayat Ali,Cem Ekmekcioglu

doi:10.3390/ijerph16224414

Abstract

Birth related complications and comorbidities are highly associated with a poor nutritional status of pregnant women, whereas iron and iodine are among especially important trace elements for healthy maternal and fetal outcomes. The study compares the status of iron, iodine, and related functional parameters in pregnant and non-pregnant women from a developing country and associates the data with pregnancy complications. The concentrations of ferritin, hemoglobin (Hb), total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were determined in the blood serum of 80 pregnant women at the time of delivery and compared with 40 non-pregnant healthy controls. Spot urine samples were taken to evaluate the urinary iodine concentration (UIC). In pregnant women, ferritin, Hb concentrations, and UIC were significantly lower, and TT4 values were significantly higher compared to controls. Higher Hb levels were tendentially associated with a reduced risk for pregnancy complications (OR = 0.747, CI (95%) 0.556–1.004; p = 0.053). Regarding covariates, only previous miscarriages were marginally associated with pregnancy complications. High consumption of dairy products was associated with lower Hb and ferritin values. Our results suggest that pregnant women from a developing country have lower iron status with Hb levels being possibly associated with pregnancy complications.

Highlights

Birth related complications and comorbidities are highly associated with poor nutritional status of pregnant women [1] with a balanced dietary intake and adequate nutrition playing a vital role in normal bodily functions and healthy fetal growth [2]
Ferritin and Hb levels were significantly lower in pregnant women
We found higher concentrations of TT4 (TSH and TT3 n.s. higher) in pregnant women compared to the non-pregnant group

Summary

Introduction

Birth related complications and comorbidities are highly associated with poor nutritional status of pregnant women [1] with a balanced dietary intake and adequate nutrition playing a vital role in normal bodily functions and healthy fetal growth [2]. Required in a minute quantity, are important to activate multiple transporters, transcription factors, and enzymes in the body [3]. These elements are essential for different biochemical processes and to prevent tissue and cellular damage [4]. Iron is vital for the normal growth of the fetus, for healthy maternal-fetal outcomes, and to prevent maternal and fetal

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