Iron supplementation during pregnancy

192 pregnant women were consecutively randomized to either a vitamin-mineral pill or a vitamin mineral pill with a high iron content in a prospective, open, randomized investigation. The participants were advised about iron-rich foodstuffs twice during pregnancy. Iron status of the mother proved to be without any significance for the outcome of pregnancy. A serum ferritin level of 80 pmol/l in mid-pregnancy followed by a control in the last trimester was suggested as a guide in deciding of whether or not to prescribe supplementary iron during pregnancy.