Daily dose of iron during pregnancy improves baby's weight

Moms-to-be who take iron daily during pregnancy can significantly increase their babies' birth weight, a new research has found.
Iron deficiency is the most widespread nutritional deficiency in the world. It is the most common cause of anaemia during pregnancy, especially in low and middle income countries, affecting an estimated 32 million pregnant women globally in 2011.
Researchers in the UK and US analysed the results of over 90 studies (a mix of randomised trials and cohort studies) of prenatal iron use and prenatal anaemia, involving nearly two million women.
Iron use increased a mother's average haemoglobin levels compared with controls and significantly reduced the risk of anaemia, found the study published in bmj.Com.

The effects were seen for iron doses up to 66 mg per day. The World Health Organisation currently recommends a dose of 60 mg per day for pregnant women.
The study found no reduction in risk of preterm birth as a result of iron use. However analysis of cohort studies showed a significantly higher risk of low birth weight and preterm birth with anaemia in the first or second trimester of pregnancy.
Further analysis indicated that for every 10 mg increase in iron dose per day (up to 66 mg per day), risk of maternal anaemia was 12 per cent lower, birth weight increased by 15 g and risk of low birth weight decreased by 3 per cent.

"Our findings suggest that use of iron in women during pregnancy may be used as a preventive strategy to improve maternal haematological status and birth weight," authors said.