Iron Status and Gestational Diabetes-A Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Metabolic Disorders
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant pregnancy complication.
• Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in maternal health.
• The association between iron overload and GDM requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis on the association between iron biomarkers and dietary iron intake with GDM.
• To synthesize evidence from existing studies to inform the health debate on iron and GDM.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search and meta-analysis of 33 eligible studies (N=44,110).
• Investigation of standardized mean differences and adjusted odds ratios for various iron biomarkers (iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, hemoglobin) and dietary iron (heme, non-heme, supplemental).
• Assessment of heterogeneity and publication bias among included studies.

Main Results:

• Elevated levels of iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and hemoglobin were associated with GDM.
• Increased dietary heme iron intake was also linked to a higher risk of GDM.
• No significant association was found for TIBC, transferrin concentration, transferrin receptor, or total/non-heme/supplemental dietary iron with GDM.
• Considerable heterogeneity was observed across studies.

Conclusions:

• Circulating and dietary iron biomarkers show an association with GDM in pregnant women.
• Results should be interpreted cautiously due to high heterogeneity.
• Randomized trials on iron reduction in high-risk women are warranted.