Is Iron suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women?Updated 10 months ago

Why should pregnant and breastfeeding women supplement with iron?

• Increased need: iron intake is particularly important during pregnancy because it supports healthy fetal development.

• Oxygen supply: Blood volume increases, which means the body needs more iron to produce red blood cells and provide sufficient oxygen for the mother and developing fetus.

• Immune support: Adequate iron levels help strengthen the mother's immune system, which is important for protection against infections during pregnancy.

• Prevention of anemia: Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness and other complications.

• Reducing the risk of complications: Sufficient iron can reduce the risk of complications such as premature birth or low birth weight.

• Baby's development: Although breast milk contains iron, it is not abundant. (Breast milk contains about 0.5 mg of iron per litre, and its absorption can be as high as 50%, thanks to the presence of vitamin C and the protein lactoferrin, which has the ability to bind and maintain optimal levels of the mineral.) Children usually have iron stores that they have acquired during pregnancy. However, this depot source is gradually depleted during the first four to six months of life. Supplementation of iron in the breastfeeding mother can thus help to ensure that the child has sufficient amounts of this mineral for proper development.

As part of comprehensive supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, we recommend including the multivitamin product Pregnancy Essentials containing iron and other essential micronutrients.