Approximately 80% of the iron that the baby needs accumulates in the last quarter of pregnancy. Therefore, it is important that women maintain adequate iron levels through a balanced diet and, when necessary, supply supplements.
A study by the University of British Columbia identified that there may be a significant relationship between DH and the development of conditions such as attention deficit and hyperactivity deficit (ADHD) and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).
In low and medium income countries, iron deficiency is responsible for 20% of deaths before birth and 10% of maternal deaths. This condition affects not only the health of women, but also the well -being of future generations.
Dr. Pablo Carpenter, a specialist, consultant in gynecology and obstetrics, and professor at the University of Maimonides in Buenos Aires, stressed: “In Argentina, a significant relationship between anemia and pregnancy has been evidenced, with a 10% higher prevalence in pregnant women compared to those of reproductive age, the main cause of anemia being the iron deficiency. This situation is aggravated by various factors, such as deficient iron diets, high incidence of parasitic infections and limitations in adequate health services. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize interventions aimed at improving the conditions of this population group. ”
Iron is crucial for brain development during the first years of life. Preventing its deficiency is essential to ensure healthy cognitive development and avoid conditions that impact long -term quality of life.
In this regard, we consult María Cecilia Braxs, hematologist at the Catholic University of Córdoba, Reina Fabiola Clinic.
Journalist: Why is it important to talk about the iron deficit?
María Cecilia Braxs: It is important to talk about the iron deficit because, many times, their symptoms go unnoticed or normalized. Women, in particular, tend to minimize signals such as tiredness or hair loss, attributing them to the rhythm of life, without wondering whether menstruation is too abundant or if pregnancy has impacted its iron levels. This lack of awareness makes many continue with their life as if nothing.
Disseminating information and educating on this topic is key for more people to identify the signs on time and prevent iron deficiency from progressing to become anemia. Talking about the subject not only helps improve the quality of life, but also allows more people to access adequate diagnosis and treatment.
Q.: There is a lot of talk about anemia, but the iron deficit can occur before it develops. What are the first alert signs and how can it be prevented?
MCB: Iron deficit and anemia are not the same, although they are often confused. Not all anemia is due to an iron deficiency, since there are other types, such as anemia due to lack of vitamin B12. However, the most frequent anemia is that caused by iron deficit, which leads to the fact that they often do not differ correctly.
The iron deficit occurs when iron deposits in the body begin to run out, before an anemia develops. At this point, subtle symptoms such as persistent fatigue, lower work performance or daily activities, hair loss and feeling of weakness may appear. Many times, these signs are attributed to stress or the rhythm of life, which delays medical consultation.
Women of fertile age are particularly vulnerable due to menstruation and pregnancy, at which time the demand for iron increases significantly. However, many times these symptoms are minimized or normalized, which makes the iron deficit unnoticed.
The key to prevention is in early detection. It is essential that women perform regular controls of their iron levels, especially if they have abundant menstruations, they are pregnant or notice symptoms of persistent tiredness.
Q.: Many women suffer chronic fatigue without knowing the cause. Could the iron deficit be responsible for this persistent exhaustion? How can they recognize that this exhaustion is not “normal” and that it could be related to an iron deficiency?
MCB: The iron deficit can be one of the causes behind chronic fatigue, although many times it goes unnoticed. When iron levels begin to fall, the body begins to have problems producing energy, which generates tiredness, weakness and difficulty to concentrate. If you begin to notice that fatigue is constant, that it is difficult for you to perform at work or in your daily activities, that can be an iron deficit signal.
Q.: During pregnancy, iron needs increase considerably. How does its deficiency affect the development of the baby and maternal health?
MCB: During pregnancy, iron fulfills a fundamental role for the mother’s health and for the development of the baby. The needs of this mineral increase considerably because the baby uses much of the mother’s iron tank for growth. In addition, childbirth and postpartum imply significant blood loss, which can further aggravate iron deficiency if it has not been prevented in time.
When a pregnant woman does not have sufficient iron reserves, complications can arise as a greater risk of premature delivery, preeclampsia and obstetric hemorrhage during childbirth. In addition, the lack of iron in the mother can affect the baby, since it depends on maternal nutrients for their proper development.
Therefore, it is key that pregnant women reach delivery with a good level of iron in their body. This not only helps reduce risks during pregnancy and childbirth, but also allows them to replenish what they lose in the postparto and have enough iron for breastfeeding.
Detecting and treating iron deficiency in pregnancy can prevent unnecessary complications, reduce the need for transfusions and ensure a better start for the mother and the baby.
Q.: Iron deficit is a frequent condition, but little diagnosed. How important are food in their prevention and treatment?
MCB: Iron is in a series of food, but not everyone has the same absorption capacity. Iron of animal origin (meat, milk, egg) is absorbed much more than that of plant origin, which can be in legumes, nuts, chard, wheat. In other words, the iron arrives to the intestine, that of animal origin is absorbed by 30%; On the other hand, that of plant origin is absorbed only 5%
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
