During pregnancy, the need for iron increases and, without the right nutritional support, the likelihood of a deficiency of this essential nutrient also increases. A varied and balanced diet is the basis of an adequate daily iron intake. However, in some cases, diet is not sufficient to maintain normal levels of iron in the body. Let’s find out when you need an iron supplement during pregnancy.
Iron deficiency in pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body’s need for iron increases to support the proper development of the foetus. In the last quarter, in particular, the foetus also begins to accumulate the amount of iron that will constitute its reserves after birth. During pregnancy, therefore, the risk of iron deficiency may increase.
Iron balance and distribution within the body are measured through three main parameters which are sideremia, page transferrinemia and ferrininaemia. Sometimes, in the presence of an iron deficiency, low haemoglobin values are also measured. Normal haemoglobin values in pregnant women are: 11 – 14 g/dL (grams per decilitre). Values below 11 g/dL define an anaemia condition which, when caused by iron deficiency, is known as sideropenic anaemia.
Iron deficiency during pregnancy manifests itself with symptoms such as:
- general tiredness and fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- headaches, migraine, irritability;
- fragility of nails and hair;
- pale skin and mucous membranes;
- shortness of breath and tachycardia.
In order to avoid depletion of the mother’s iron reserves, an increased intake of this nutrient is required through diet. Iron-rich foods such as red meat (turkey, horse, beef), liver, spleen, green leafy vegetables, legumes, whole grains and oily fish may be useful, but, in some cases, it is necessary to support the diet with dietary supplements that can address the increased bodily iron requirements typical of pregnancy.
Iron supplements during pregnancy: what they contain
When expecting a baby and even afterwards, if you are breastfeeding, it is always recommended that you always consult your doctor before taking any type of supplement. An iron-based supplement during pregnancy is recommended by a doctor or gynaecologist when diet alone is not sufficient to maintain normal iron values.
Iron supplements suitable for pregnancy usually also contain other nutrients that support the proper development of the foetus and promote normal haematopoiesis (red blood cell formation) in the mother and the unborn child. Amongst the most common nutrients are folic acid and folates (vitamin B9) and vitamins B6 (pyridoxine) and B12(cobalamin) and sometimes vitamin C, which facilitates the absorption of iron in the intestine and vitamin D, which supports normal bone development. In other words, iron supplements during pregnancy not only maintain normal iron levels in the mother‘s and baby‘s bodies, but also provide comprehensive support for the growth and proper physical and cognitive development of the baby.
SiderAL® Folico 30 is a food supplement containing Sucrosomial® Iron also designed for pregnant women. The presence of vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid (in the active form Quatrefolic®) together with Sucrosomial Iron®contribute to:
- reducing the feeling of exhaustion and fatigue;
- promoting the formation of haemoglobin and thus supporting tissue oxygenation;
- contributing to the normal function of the immune system
- supporting normal cognitive function;
- promoting normal energy metabolism;
- preventing bone loss;
SiderAL® Folico 30 can be recommended by your gynaecologist from the first trimester of pregnancy. However, you should consult your doctor before using the product and, in any case, before you start using any iron supplement during pregnancy. The doctor will recommend the most suitable food supplement according to the specific case.
