How Heme Iron Supplements May Offset Anemia During Pregnancy

Iron deficiency anemia, or decreased total body iron content

, is the most common anemia worldwide. While it is common in men, women and children of all ages, anemia during pregnancy is of particular concern. In fact, It is estimated that in America nearly 33% of pregnant women (and subsequently, nursing mothers) experience anemia.

Iron Basics During Pregnancy

In most life forms, iron is an essential element. In humans, iron plays a vital role in oxygen transport and cell growth. Almost two-thirds of all the iron in the body is found in hemoglobin which is the protein in red blood cells. During pregnancy, iron requirements increase significantly as the amount of blood in the body expands to nearly 50 percent more than usual. The increase in blood volume increases the need for iron to make more hemoglobin for all that additional blood, as well as extra iron for the baby.

Difference Between Heme and Non-heme Iron Intake

The amount of iron in the blood depends greatly on the type of iron consumed. The body much more readily absorbs heme iron, which is derived from animal proteins, than non-heme iron, which is derived from plant sources. Heme Iron absorption is not affected by foods and food components. Conversely, non-heme iron absorption is highly variable and influenced by the presences or absence of other substances in the food, such as calcium, wheat, tannins and EDTA, a common food preservative.

Your Risk of Anemia Increases Because:

Bad nutrition and eating habits.

Low heme iron intake which is better absorbed than non-heme.

Low iron prior to becoming pregnant.

Experiencing morning sickness that prevents one from eating or causes vomiting.

Contiguous pregnancies that doesn't allow the body to recover properly.

Being pregnant with multiples.

Using prescription anti-seizure or anti-coagulants.

Previous use of oral contraceptives.

Common Sings of Anemia

Feeling Sick

General Lethargy

Fatigue

Impaired Cognitive Skills

Difficulty in Maintaining Body Temperature

An inflamed tongue, also known as Glossitis

Measures To Take During Pregnancy

To maintain healthy iron levels during pregnancy, regular visits to your doctor to monitor your iron levels and to meet other health needs is required. Additionally, eating a healthy diet that includes sources of foods rich in heme iron such as beef and chicken can help. Health care providers regularly prescribe prenatal vitamins which contain iron. Most of these do not contain enough absorbable iron to maintain iron during pregnancy. Adding a heme iron supplement to your prenatal vitamin can help ensure your body is absorbing enough iron for good health.

by: Heide Creduer

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