Bioavailability of iron in two prenatal multivitamin/multimineral supplements

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Nutritional Science
• Pharmacokinetics

Background:

• Prenatal multivitamins are crucial for maternal and fetal health.
• Iron supplementation is vital during pregnancy to prevent deficiency.
• Assessing iron bioavailability from common prenatal supplements is important for efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and compare the iron bioavailability of two popular prenatal multivitamin/multimineral supplements.
• To evaluate iron absorption from Stuartnatal Plus and Materna under fasting and fed conditions.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind, crossover study involving 30 pregnant women (24-32 weeks gestation).
• Measured iron absorption over eight hours after ingesting Stuartnatal Plus or Materna (each containing 27 mg elemental iron) or a placebo.
• Iron absorption was assessed both in a fasting state and after a standardized meal.

Main Results:

• Iron bioavailability from Stuartnatal Plus was 5.4 mg (fasting) and 2.9 mg (fed); Materna showed 4.6 mg (fasting) and 2.7 mg (fed).
• Fasting iron absorption from both supplements exceeded the recommended 3 mg per day by the National Academy of Sciences.
• Iron absorption remained significant even when supplements were taken with a meal.

Conclusions:

• Both Stuartnatal Plus and Materna demonstrate adequate iron bioavailability during pregnancy.
• These prenatal supplements provide sufficient iron absorption to meet or exceed established recommendations.
• The findings support the use of these supplements for ensuring adequate iron intake in pregnant individuals.