A systematic review and meta-analysis by Cochrane has highlighted the potential of iron supplementation during pregnancy.1
According to Balchem, the review spotlights the important role of iron supplementation both during and after pregnancy, as well as its potential in supporting maternal and infant health.
The updated review analysed the results of 57 trials ran globally — including nearly 49,000 women — with some of the trials also assessing the benefits of iron and folic acid as a functional ingredient pair.
Through analyses of these clinical studies, researchers concluded that iron supplementation could reduce the prevalence of maternal anaemia, highlighting the efficacy of iron supplementation in increasing blood iron levels.
Additionally, it was found that mothers taking iron supplements daily during their pregnancy were more likely to have children of a healthy birth weight.
Iron as a functional ingredient for both mums and babies
Anaemia is a common issue during pregnancy, and iron deficiency is the leading cause of anaemia worldwide.
With 36% of expecting mothers estimated to experience anaemia during their pregnancy, and 40% of those cases resulting from an iron deficiency, there is a clear need for mums-to-be to keep their iron levels at a sufficient level.2
Although not all pregnant individuals become anaemic pre-term, up to 80% of expecting mothers will become iron deficient by the third trimester.3
This can increase a mother's risk of fainting and infection, while also reducing their ability to pass a sufficient iron supply to their baby — potentially impacting a child's growth and cognition.
Deepening scientific understanding of iron supplementation in pregnancy
To accurately assess the benefits of iron supplementation in pregnant people, Cochrane performed an updated analysis of a review previously published in 2015.
To achieve this, researchers utilised a new screening tool, which allowed them to identify six new studies for inclusion.
Results of the meta-analysis suggested that iron supplementation can benefit mothers, as daily iron intake was associated with a reduced risk of maternal anaemia, while also diminishing the chances of a mother being iron deficient during their pregnancy.
Not only was iron supplementation beneficial for a mother, but it appears it can also support a baby's healthy development.
Researchers revealed that women taking iron supplements during pregnancy were less likely to deliver a baby with a low birthweight, suggesting that iron supplementation could promote the healthy growth and development of children pre-term.
“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,” commented Balchem's Senior Manager of Nutrition Science, Eric Ciappio.
“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.”
Considering iron formats
As well as pointing out the benefits of iron supplementation, the Cochrane review also iterated the importance of adherence to a daily supplement regime.
Using conventional iron salts during pregnancy is often associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, which can be highly unpleasant and off-putting for those taking them.4
Therefore, Balchem recommends iron ferrous bisglycinate, which demonstrates improved bioavailability and tolerability in pregnant women, according to research.5
“Supplementation with Ferrous Bisglycinate was shown in a meta-analysis by Fischer et al. to provide greater improvements in haemoglobin status among pregnant women and reduce 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.”
“By prioritising 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.” Eric concluded.
References
1 Finkelstein, J. L. et al. Daily oral iron supplementation during pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev., 8(8), CD004736., (2024)
2 Ataide, R., et al., Iron deficiency, pregnancy, and neonatal development, Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 162 Suppl 2:14-22, (2023).
3 McCarthy, EK., et al. Longitudinal evaluation of iron status during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study in a high-resource setting. Am J Clin Nutr, (2024).
4 Tolkien et al. Ferrous sulfate supplementation causes significant gastrointestinal side-effects in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One, 10(2):e0117383. (2015)
5 Fischer et al. The effects of oral ferrous bisglycinate supplementation on hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations in adults and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Rev., 81(8):904-920. (2023)