Iron Status Of Pregnant Women Research Articles

Micronutrient Status in Pregnant Women after Metabolic Bariatric Surgery in the United Arab Emirates: A Prospective Study.

Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) helps reduce comorbidities, such as hypertension and gestational diabetes, and is more effective than diet management for women with obesity-related health issues. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron play important roles in ensuring the health of a neonate. However, pregnancies occurring after MBS may face complications related to micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of vitamins B12 and D and iron. This study aimed to investigate the vitamin B12, vitamin D, ferritin, and iron status of pregnant women who underwent MBS compared with women without MBS history. The study included 217 pregnant women (105 with a history of MBS and 112 without a history of MBS) who visited a major maternity hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) between July 2021 and November 2022. The maternal vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and ferritin levels were measured twice, initially during the first or second trimester and subsequently during the third trimester. The iron was measured once during the pregnancy. Vitamin B12 deficiency was higher among pregnant women with MBS history compared to non-bariatric pregnant women (24.4% vs. 3.9%, p < 0.001). Women with a history of MBS had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (62.3% vs. 37.7%, p < 0.002). Linear regression analysis indicated that vitamin B12 levels decreased by 55 pg/mL in women with a history of MBS and by 4.6 pg/mL with a unit increase in body mass index (kg/m2). Furthermore, vitamin D levels in women with a history of MBS decreased by 4.9 ng/mL during pregnancy. Metabolic bariatric surgery is associated with vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron deficiencies during pregnancy.

Dietary Diversity and Iron Status in Pregnant Women Attending the Antenatal Clinic at Narok County Referral Hospital, Kenya

Dietary diversity is widely acknowledged as a fundamental factor influencing the iron status of pregnant women. Iron deficiency anemia constitutes a pervasive nutritional concern on a global scale, particularly during pregnancy, and it is linked to an array of adverse consequences such as prenatal mortality, low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth retardation. Despite this recognition, there exists a notable gap in our understanding of the dietary habits and iron status of pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Narok County Referral Hospital, Kenya. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study, targeting a cohort of 178 pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the aforementioned hospital. The study used a cross-sectional study design with a target population of 178 pregnant mothers attending the antenatal clinic (ANC) in Narok County Referral Hospital, Kenya. A researcher-administered questionnaire, focus group discussion guides (FGD), and key informant interviews (KII) were used to collect data. Logistical regression and Odds ratio were used to control for other factors that affect iron status, and the Odds ratio was used to determine the likelihood of iron deficiency as influenced by dietary diversity. The results revealed that a significant proportion of the pregnant women were aged between 18-24 years (44.4%), were married (71.3%), and engaged in small businesses (52.2%). Approximately one-third of the participants had two children, with 25.3% having had four live births. The majority (68%) reported consuming four meals daily, but the nutrient intake of pregnant mothers generally fell below-recommended levels, with 57.9% failing to meet the minimum dietary diversity score for women. A considerable portion (62.4%) exhibited normal nutritional status, while 68.5% were under Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS); however, adherence to the supplementation regimen was poor. Moreover, 52.2% had hemoglobin levels below 12g/dl, indicating a potential issue with iron deficiency. This study uncovered significant demographic characteristics among pregnant women, particularly noting a significant presence of young, married individuals engaged in small-scale businesses. The dietary patterns highlighted a prevalent intake of four meals, but nutrient intake often fell short of recommended levels. Alarmingly, a substantial percentage exhibited low hemoglobin levels, underscoring the critical necessity for improved nutritional interventions. Specifically, enhancing iron supplementation and promoting dietary diversity is imperative to address the potential risk of iron deficiency among this vulnerable population.

Associations of Dietary Patterns and Vitamin D Levels with Iron Status in Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taiwan.

Vitamin D is involved in the pathophysiology of anemia. This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Nationwide Nutrition and Health Survey in Pregnant Women in Taiwan database. We investigated associations among dietary patterns (DPs), vitamin D, and iron-related biomarkers in pregnant women. The principal component analysis revealed four DPs. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of DPs with anemia-related biomarkers. Plant-based, carnivore, and dairy and nondairy alternatives DPs were positively associated with serum vitamin D levels. After adjusting covariates, the pregnant women consuming plant-based DPs at the mid-tertile (T2) were associated with reduced risks of low serum folate and vitamin D levels, and those consuming carnivore DPs at higher tertiles (T2 and/or T3) were correlated with an increased risk of low serum iron levels but decreased risks of low serum transferrin saturation, vitamin B12, and vitamin D levels. The pregnant women consuming dairy and nondairy alternatives DPs at the highest tertile (T3) were associated with reduced risks of low serum folate and vitamin B12 levels. However, the processed food DP was not correlated with anemia-related biomarkers. Thus, plant-based, carnivore, and dairy and nondairy alternatives DPs were associated with the risk of low-serum-anemia-related variables.

Influence of prenatal iron and zinc supplements on supplemental iron absorption, red blood cell iron incorporation, and iron status in pregnant Peruvian women

It is estimated that 60% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic. We aimed to examine the influence of iron status on iron absorption during pregnancy by measuring supplemental iron absorption, red blood cell iron incorporation, and iron status in pregnant women. Subjects were 45 pregnant Peruvian women (33+/-1 wk gestation), of whom 28 received daily prenatal supplements containing 60 mg Fe and 250 microg folate without (Fe group, n = 14) or with (Fe+Zn group, n = 14) 15 mg Zn, which were were consumed from week 10 to 24 of gestation until delivery. The remaining 17 women (control) received no prenatal supplementation. Iron status indicators and isotopes were measured in maternal blood collected 2 wk postdosing with oral (57Fe) and intravenous (58Fe) stable iron isotopes. Maternal serum ferritin and folate concentrations were significantly influenced by supplementation (P < 0.05). Serum iron was also significantly higher in the Fe than in the Fe+Zn (P < 0.03) or control (P < 0.001) groups. However, the supplemented groups had significantly lower serum zinc concentrations than the control group (8.4+/-2.3 and 10.9+/-1.8 micromol/L, respectively, P < 0.01). Although percentage iron absorption was inversely related to maternal serum ferritin concentrations (P = 0.036), this effect was limited and percentage iron absorption did not differ significantly between groups. Because absorption of nonheme iron was not substantially greater in pregnant women with depleted iron reserves, prenatal iron supplementation is important for meeting iron requirements during pregnancy.

Impact of maternal iron deficiency anemia on fetal iron status and placental iron transporters in human pregnancy

Iron deficiency anemia is associated with maternal morbidity and poor pregnancy outcomes. Heme and non-heme iron transport proteins expressed in the placenta help in adequate iron supply from anemic mother to fetus. Here we examined the expression of placental iron trafficking molecules and their association with maternal and neonatal iron status in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Pregnant women who received prenatal care at Christian Medical College, Vellore, India for childbirth were recruited. Pregnant women who were 18–35 years old with gestational age (GA) of ≥36 weeks were eligible to participate in the study. In a prospective cohort of pregnant women, 22 % were iron deficiency anemia and 42 % were iron replete. Samples were collected (Maternal blood, placental tissue, and cord blood) from pregnant women with a gestational age of ≥38 weeks at the time of delivery. The mean gestational age at the first visit and delivery was 12.8 ± 2.72 weeks and 39 ± 1.65 weeks, respectively. Hemoglobin (9.3 ± 0.9 g/dl) and ferritin (15.4(0.8–28.3) ng/ml) levels at delivery were significantly decreased in IDA as compared to controls. The fetal hemoglobin and ferritin levels were in the normal range in both groups. There was no correlation between maternal and cord blood hepcidin with fetal iron status in IDA. We further analyzed the expression of iron transport genes in the placenta of controls and the IDA group. Under maternal iron insufficiency, the expression of placental iron transporters DMT1, FPN1, and GDF15 was upregulated at the protein level. In IDA, placental GDF15 and ferroportin protein had an association with fetal iron status. These findings confirm that placental iron traffickers respond to maternal iron deficiency by increasing their expression and allowing sufficient iron to pass to the fetus.

Iron Status in Pregnant Women in Latvia: An Epidemiological, Cross-Sectional, Multicenter Study According to WHO and UK Criteria.

Background and Objectives: During pregnancy, iron deficiency anaemia is a common problem associated with health risks for both the mother and her foetus/infant. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia, and related dietary patterns in pregnant women in Latvia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, multicentre study included pregnancy data from 974 women. The sample selection was based on the stratification principle (population of women of childbearing age in regions of Latvia). Maternal demographic details, anthropometric measurements, iron status, dietary patterns, and supplementation information were obtained from maternal files and during interviews held in eight outpatient departments of medical institutions and maternity departments. The prevalence was assessed. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to identify associations between iron deficiency and sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and iron supplement intake during pregnancy. The criterion used for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia is a Hb level < 110 g/L in the 1st and 3rd trimesters and <105 g/L during the 2nd trimester as recommended by the WHO. However, the UK guideline was used for borderline iron deficiency, which is an SF level < 30 μg/L in all trimesters. Results: The observed prevalence of anaemia was 2.8% in the first trimester, 7.9% in the second trimester, and 27.0% in the third trimester. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 46.7% in the first trimester, 78.1% in the second trimester, and 91.7% in the third trimester. No associations with dietary patterns were found. Single women had 1.85 times the odds (95% CI 1.07 to 3.18) of being anaemic than married women. Conclusions: Iron deficiency affects a large proportion of pregnant women in Latvia in all trimesters, with iron deficiency anaemia affecting pregnant women in the third trimester. Monitoring and intervention should be performed in a timely and more targeted manner.

Serum Iron Status of Pregnant Women in Central Hospital Sapele, South-South Nigeria

Background: Low iron status and Iron deficiency anemia are major prenatal complications predisposing pregnant women to preventable causes of premature delivery, intrauterine growth retardation and neonatal and prenatal death in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate and compare serum iron status in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Sapele South-South Nigeria. Materials and methods: A total of three hundred and sixty (360) subjects were enrolled for this study comprising of 78 non-pregnant women and 282 pregnant women. 5ml of venous blood were collected from participant into EDTA and plan containers respectively. The serum obtain from clotted sample was used for serum iron estimation using iron reduction method while EDTA blood was used for PCV and hemoglobin estimation.

Effect of Haemoglobin and Iron Status of the Antenatal Mothers on their Newborns at Birth: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Iron deficiency (ID) anaemia in pregnant mothers can affect the iron reserves of their newborns and lead to anaemia later. The haematological indices and iron status of pregnant women and its correlation with their neonates is still unclear. Aim: To assess the correlation between maternal and cord blood Hb and iron status. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study included 134 antenatal mothers, at term gestation without any significant antenatal complications. Complete haemogram, serum iron, ferritin, and iron binding capacity were assessed for these mothers before delivery and also from the cord blood samples of their newborns at birth. Statistical difference and correlation were observed using Chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Maternal anaemia Hb &lt;11 gm/dL) was observed in 62 (46.3%). The mean Hb and ferritin of the mothers were 11.06±1.02 gm/dL and 113.3±7.1 μg/L, respectively. The mean Hb and ferritin levels of the cord blood samples were 12.24±0.17 gm/dL and 214.3±20.1 μg/L, respectively. In univariate analysis, maternal Hb showed a significant correlation with cord blood Hb with Odds Ratio (OR) 0.508 and 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.428-0.603. The Pearson’s correlation showed a moderate correlation between mother and cord blood Packed Cell Volume (PCV) (r=0.344, p&lt;0.001) and weak correlation between other maternal and cord blood iron indices and serum ferritin (r=0.191, p=0.027 and r=0.203, p=0.019). Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between maternal and cord blood Hb in term neonates. The study indicates that the haematological indices of pregnant women determine the neonatal Hb in term babies.

Prevalence of Anaemia in Females of Reproductive Age Group

Background: Anemia is a significant public health indicator linked to poor health outcomes. The restricted nature of available data makes it difficult to relate the iron status of pregnant women. It is yet unclear whether the therapy option is most successful in reducing postpartum anemia symptoms.&#x0D; Aim and Objective: To discuss the existence of anemia in females of conceivable age and during pregnancy and the causes and treatments for the condition.&#x0D; Description: The woman ought to contain bodily stores of irons 500 mg, which corresponds to serum ferritin levels of 60-70 g/L, for completing a normal pregnancy along with no intake of iron supplements even without developing an iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia. Iron deficient anemia caused by a lower percentage of iron is the most common anemia worldwide. Anemia is a prevalent problem among HIV-positive persons, especially women. It can make you feel restless, reduce your quality of life, and make it more likely that your HIV infection will worsen.&#x0D; Conclusion: The experimental relevance of a few good temporary fatigues counting female patients alongside blood transfusion remains unknown. Also, such small benefits must get weighed against understood risks, such as maternal mortality (not stated) as well as maternal immunological sensitization, all of that might disrupt subsequent pregnancies. When comparing oral iron to a placebo, it's unclear if effectiveness (symptom alleviation) overcomes the documented gastrointestinal side effects.

Iron stores in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: a systematic review

BackgroundGradual improvements in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD), have led to an increase in the number of women with SCD who reach the age of procreation. However, evidence on the iron status of pregnant women with sickle cell disease (PWSCD) remains inconclusive. We conducted the first systematic review on the prevalence, determinants and maternal/foetal outcomes of iron deficiency anaemia among PWSCD.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Africa Index Medicus, the Cochrane library databases and reference lists of retrieved publications for studies describing the iron status of PWSCD. The literature search was done over a period of 1 month, with no language or date restrictions applied. Data were extracted on a Microsoft excel sheet. Two authors assessed all included studies for methodological quality and risk of bias.ResultsA total of 710 reports were identified for title and article screening. Five retained studies were conducted before or during the 90s and included 67 participants. After quality assessment, the observational studies were designated to have a “fair” quality assessment while the randomised control trial had an “unclear” quality assessment. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among PWSCD varied by study design and diagnostic method. The overall prevalence ranged from 6.67–83.33%. None of the studies provided evidence on factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia and the randomized trial reported no difference in outcomes between PWSCD who had iron supplementation and those who did not.ConclusionEvidence on factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia among PWSCD and maternal/foetal outcomes in PWSCD who have iron deficiency anaemia is poor. The studies included in this review suggests that iron deficiency anaemia may be highly prevalent in PWSCD but due to the very small sample sizes and varied study designs, this evidence is inconclusive. The review shows that there is a need for more studies with robust designs and adequate sample sizes to assess the disease burden of iron deficiency anaemia in PWSCD.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the correlation between maternal and neonatal iron status and haematologic indices.

BackgroundIron deficiency (ID) is the leading single-nutrient deficiency in the world. Anaemia is a common outcome of ID that affects half of pregnancies worldwide with serious consequences for child development. Whether haematologic indices and biomarkers of iron status in pregnant women correlate with those of their neonates is unclear. This systematic review evaluated studies comparing haematologic and iron status indices in pregnant women and their newborns/neonates.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science from database inception until March 2020 for primary studies comparing haematologic and iron status indices between women and their newborns up to 48 h after birth. We summarized the results descriptively and calculated pooled correlation coefficients in mothers and newborns/neonates using the Schmidt-Hunter method. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Registration number: CRD42018093094).FindingsSixty-five studies were included. Pooled correlation coefficients for biomarkers of iron status in mothers and newborns/neonates were 0.13 (ferritin), 0.42 (hepcidin), 0.30 (serum/plasma iron), 0.09 (transferrin), 0.20 (transferrin saturation), and 0.16 (total iron binding capacity). Pooled correlation coefficients for haematological indices in mothers and newborns/neonates were 0.15 (haemoglobin), 0.15 (haematocrit), 0.25 (mean cell/corpuscular haemoglobin), 0.22 (mean cell/corpuscular volume).InterpretationMaternal biomarkers of iron and haematologic status correlate poorly with those in newborns/neonates. These results underscore a need for alternative approaches to estimate foetal/neonatal iron status and haematological indices.FundingMBO and SLB hold Canada Research Chairs, and grants from the Women and Children's Health Research Institute and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Iron stores in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionSickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited disease worldwide. The greatest disease burden is seen in sub-Saharan Africa. Early diagnosis and improved care of people living with SCD...

Effect of Emblica Officinalis (amloki) on iron status in pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia

Background: Common clinical practice of prescribing Iron supplementation for Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnancy is associated with a number of side effects. Emblica officinalis (amloki) is a well known dietary supplement used by traditional practitioners to treat anemia.&#x0D; Objective: To evaluate the effects of oral supplementation of Emblica officinalis on iron status in pregnant women with IDA.&#x0D; Methods: This prospective interventional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College (DMC), Dhaka from July 2016 to June 2017 on 43 pregnant women aged 18 to 36 years between 13th to 20th weeks of gestation with IDA. They were recruited from the Out-patient department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DMC Hospital. Among them 24 were supplemented with amloki and iron (IAS) and 19 women received only iron supplementation (IS). Study variables were estimated at the baseline and after 45 days of supplementation. Serum iron, ferritin and Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were estimated following standard laboratory methods. Data were expressed as mean ± SD. Paired and Unpaired Student’s t-test were used for statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results: Serum iron levels were significantly higher (p&lt;0.001) and serum TIBC were significantly lower (p&lt;0.001) in both groups after supplementation compared to their baseline value. But post supplementation serum ferritin level was significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) only in IAS group compared to that of the baseline. Again, after intervention, serum iron level was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) and serum TIBC was significantly lower (p&lt;0.01) in IAS group when compared with those of IS group.&#x0D; Conclusions: Data concluded that oral Emblica officinalis supplement along with iron was more effective than only iron supplementation to improve serum iron status in pregnant women with IDA.&#x0D; J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2019, June; 14(1): 1-6

Serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, and total body iron for the detection of iron deficiency in early pregnancy: a multiethnic population-based study with low use of iron supplements

Which blood-based indicator best reflects the iron status in pregnant women is unclear. Better assessments of iron status in today's multiethnic populations are needed to optimize treatment and clinical recommendations. We aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin <11.0g/dL in first and <10.5g/dL in second trimester) and iron deficiency (ID) by the iron indicators serum ferritin <15µg/L, serum soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) >4.4mg/L, and calculated total body iron <0mg/kg, and their associations with ethnicity. This was a population-based cross-sectional study from primary antenatal care of 792 healthy women in early pregnancy in Oslo, Norway. We categorized the women into 6 ethnic groups: Western European, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Sub-Saharan African, East Asian, and Eastern European. Anemia was found in 5.9% of women (Western Europeans: 1.8%; non-Western: 0-14%, P<0.05). ID from ferritin was found in 33% (Western Europeans: 15%; non-Western: 27-55%, P<0.05). ID from sTfR was found in 6.5% (Western Europeans: 0.3%; non-Western: 0-20%, P<0.01). Calculated total body iron indicated ID in 11% (Western Europeans: 0.6%, non-Western: 7.0-28%, P<0.01). The prevalence of ID was significantly higher by all measures in South Asian, Sub-Saharan African, and Middle Eastern than in Western European women, and the ethnic differences persisted after adjusting for confounders. South Asians, Sub-Saharan Africans, and Middle Easterners had lower iron concentrations by all measures for all hemoglobin intervals. Anemia related to ID varied from 35% (sTfR) to 46% (total body iron) and 72% (ferritin) depending on the iron indicator used. Women at the highest risk of ID and anemia were of South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Sub-Saharan African origin. The prevalence of ID differed considerably depending on the iron indicator used.

Reduced Vitamin D levels and Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Pregnant Women: An Evolving Correlation

Aim: To elucidate correlation between serum vitamin D levels and iron status in pregnant women and to generate hypothesis for supplementation of vitamin D in iron deficient patients. Methods: It is a prospective observational study of 101 pregnant women, recruited at the Government District Headquarters Hospital, Udagamandalam. Descriptive analysis was performed for the demographic characteristics. Spearman’s correlation test was used to determine the strength of correlation between vitamin D and the complete blood count parameters. Each outcome variables whose levels were with a P ( Key words: Anaemia, Vitamin D, Haemoglobin, Serum Ferritin, Serum Vitamin D, Pregnancy.

Iron status in pregnant women and women of reproductive age in Europe

Understanding the iron status in pregnant women in Europe provides a foundation for considering the role of iron screening and supplementation. However, available reports and studies have used different approaches that challenge the devising of overall summaries. Moreover, data on pregnant women are limited, and thus, data on women of reproductive age provide useful background information including baseline iron stores in pregnant women. This review considered data that are available from >15 European countries including national surveys and relevant clinical studies. In European women of reproductive age, median or geometric mean serum ferritin (SF) concentrations were estimated at 26-38 μg/L. Approximately 40-55% of this population had small or depleted iron stores (i.e., SF concentration ≤30 μg/L), and 45-60% of this population had apparently replete iron stores. The prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was 10-32% and 2-5%, respectively, depending on the cutoffs used. Approximately 20-35% of European women of reproductive age had sufficient iron stores (SF concentration >70 μg/L) to complete a pregnancy without supplementary iron. During pregnancy, European women in controlled supplementation trials who were not receiving iron supplements displayed increasing prevalences of ID and IDA during pregnancy, which peaked in the middle to late third trimester. Available evidence has suggested that, in gestational weeks 32-39, the median or geometric mean SF concentrations were 6-21 μg/L, and prevalences of ID and IDA were 28-85% and 21-35%, respectively. Women who were taking iron supplements had higher iron status and lower prevalences of ID and IDA, which were dependent on the dose of iron and compliance. The data suggest that, in Europe, the iron status of reproductive-aged women varies by region and worsens in pregnancy without iron supplementation.

Maternal Serum Iron and Zinc Levels and Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes, a metabolic disturbance in pregnancy has many predisposing factors such as maternal age, history of gestational diabetes, familial history of diabetes, and obesity. There have been many studies performed all over the world to recognize more risk factors for gestational diabetes in order to better control it. Micronutrients such as iron and zinc status in the body are good examples in this regard. The studies have shown that despite the increased need for iron during pregnancy, if there is an iron overload in body, it may predispose the mother to gestational diabetes; but there has been no significant relationship observed between body zinc status and gestational diabetes occurrence. Thus, medical practitioners should consider checking the iron status of pregnant women before giving iron supplements to them.

Evaluation of soluble transferrin receptor, soluble transferrin receptor/ferritin ratio, and other iron-related parameters of pregnant women in Cross River State, Nigeria

Introduction: Iron is one of the essential trace elements required for hemoglobin synthesis and also for many metabolic processes. Inadequate iron intake can lead to varying degrees of deficiency, from low iron stores to early iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia and this is dangerous to both fetus and mother. Aim: This study was carried out to assess the levels of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), sTfR/serum ferritin (sTfR/SF) ratio, and other iron-related parameters of pregnant women in Cross River State, Nigeria, with the aim to establish reference ranges of these parameters for the population under reference. Materials and Methods: One hundred and seventy apparently healthy pregnant women within the age range of 15 and 45 years attending the antenatal clinics of health-care facilities in Cross River State, Nigeria, were enrolled in this study. The controls consisted of 100 age-matched apparently healthy nonpregnant women from the same environment. Red cell indices were determined using automated blood cell counter. Serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were determined using colorimetric method. SF and sTfR were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: The mean ± standard deviation of the parameters in pregnant woman and in nonpregnant women were serum iron (82.19 ± 3.44), SF (32.15 ± 3.11), transferrin saturation with iron (22.43 ± 11.62), hemoglobin concentration (11.00 ± 0.11), and hematocrit (0.33 ± 0.30). Decreased significantly during pregnancy while TIBC (422.43 ± 19.60), sTfR (3.38 ± 0.41), and sTfR/SF ratio (176.98 ± 396.87) increased significantly in the pregnant women than in nonpregnant women (P < 0.05). The values of serum iron, SF, TIBC, and transferrin saturation were found to show significant variations in the various trimesters of pregnancy. The values of sTfR and sTfR/SF ratio increased significantly (P = 0.01 and P = 001) as trimester increases in our patients. Conclusion: This study reports, for the first time, values for sTfR and sTfR/SF ratio in apparently healthy pregnant women in Cross River State, South-South Nigeria. The study also gives an indication that the use of sTfR and sTfR/SF as a marker in assessing iron status of pregnant women needs to be explored.

Hubungan status besi dan ioidum ibu hamil trimester III terhadap berat badan dan lingkar kepala bayi lahir didaerah endemik GAKI

Background: Iodine and iron were micronutrient that highly related with formation of thyroid hormone. Iodine and iron deficiency during pregnancy, will affect fetal development. Weight and born baby’s head circumference were early indicator of infant development, because it describe the result of interaction of several factors for fetus during pregnancy. Objectives: To determine correlation between iodine and iron status of pregnant women in third trimester with born baby’s weight and head circumference. Methods: Cross sectional study with 49 pregnant women on third trimester and their baby born. Measurement of iron status used sTfR level by ELISA and iodine status used EIU. Meanwhile for the born baby, measurement was taken place on the baby’s weight and head circumference. Results: The average of iron status is 22,15 nmol/L, meanwhile average of iodine status is 168,63 μg/L with urine median value 165 μg/L. Statistical analysis with multiple correlation test showed no significant relationship between iron and iodine status of third trimester pregnant women to birth weight (r = 0,286; p = 0,141) as well as the babies head circumference (r = 0,195; p = 0,412).Conclusion: Iron and iodine status of third trimester pregnant women have low correlation to the born babies weight or head circumference in endemic area.

Hepcidin and iron status in pregnant women and full-term newborns in first days of life

The amount of iron is regulated by hepcidin. The aim of the study was to assess hepcidin concentrations in healthy pregnant women before delivery, in cord blood, and in 3-day-old newborns in relation to maternal and neonatal iron status. The study group consisted of 44 mother-newborn pairs. Serum concentrations of hepcidin, ferritin, and transferrin receptor (sTfR) were assessed. Maternal hepcidin was significantly lower than cord blood (p < 0.001), and full-term newborn values (p < 0.001). Mothers also had the lowest ferritin and sTfR concentrations. The highest concentration of hepcidin was observed in the newborns. They had lower sTfR and higher ferritin concentrations than in cord blood (p < 0.001). Maternal ferritin correlated negatively with sTfR (R = -0.50 p = 0.005), and positively with hepcidin (R = 0.41; p = 0.005). There were no correlations between hepcidin and ferritin or sTfR concentrations in cord blood, nor between hepcidin and ferritin or sTfR concentrations in the newborns. Moreover, there were no correlations between maternal and cord blood or neonatal blood hepcidin, nor between maternal hepcidin and infant iron status. There were also no correlations between hepcidin in cord blood and hepcidin or parameters of the iron status in the children. It may be assumed that a relatively low concentration of hepcidin in women in late pregnancy facilitates their iron accumulation. Higher levels of hepcidin in full-term newborns than in their mothers may be the result of a relatively high level of iron from the stored supplies. Neonatal iron status was independently associated with either maternal or cord blood hepcidin.