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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:45
Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes
Published on: May 10, 2022
Iron supplementation in pregnancy--does the preparation matter?
Nir Melamed1, Avi Ben-Haroush, Boris Kaplan
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tiqwa, 49100, Israel.
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
|June 2, 2007
Summary
Iron supplements are commonly used in pregnancy, but side effects like constipation and nausea are frequent. Ferric bisglycinate and multivitamins may offer better tolerability and compliance compared to ferrous fumarate.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Iron supplementation is crucial during pregnancy to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia.
- Various iron preparations exist, each with potential differences in efficacy, side effects, and patient adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the usage patterns, adverse effects, and discontinuation rates of different iron preparations prescribed during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 612 postpartum women regarding iron supplement use in the second and third trimesters.
- Data analysis focused on reported iron preparations, adverse effects, and reasons for discontinuation among 453 eligible participants.
Main Results:
- Ferrous fumarate was the most frequently used iron preparation (46.8%).
- Nearly half of participants (45%) experienced adverse effects, primarily constipation and nausea.
- Multivitamin preparations and ferric bisglycinate were associated with significantly fewer side effects and lower discontinuation rates compared to ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate.
Conclusions:
- Ferric bisglycinate and multivitamin preparations, despite less frequent first-line recommendation, demonstrate potential for improved side effect profiles and patient compliance.
- Physician recommendations heavily influence the choice of iron supplementation during pregnancy.
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