Relationship between maternal and infant iron stores: 1. Full term infants

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Maternal iron status significantly impacts fetal development and neonatal outcomes.
• Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent nutritional concern during pregnancy.
• Understanding the relationship between maternal iron stores and infant health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between maternal iron status at term and neonatal parameters.
• To evaluate the correlation between maternal serum ferritin and cord blood ferritin levels.
• To determine the impact of maternal iron deficiency on newborn weight and iron stores.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 218 pregnant women at term and their neonates.
• Measurement of serum ferritin, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity in mothers.
• Analysis of cord blood samples for ferritin levels and assessment of neonatal birth weight.

Main Results:

• Neonates born to iron-deficient mothers had significantly lower mean birth weight (3210 g) and cord serum ferritin (81 µg/L) compared to controls (3390 g; 115 µg/L).
• A weak but significant positive correlation was observed between maternal and neonatal serum ferritin levels (r = 0.15, p < 0.05).
• Maternal serum ferritin showed a weak significant correlation with newborn weight (r = 0.15, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Maternal iron deficiency during pregnancy is associated with reduced neonatal iron stores and lower birth weight.
• These findings underscore the importance of adequate maternal iron status for optimal fetal growth and neonatal iron endowment.
• Early and adequate iron supplementation during pregnancy is suggested to mitigate adverse neonatal outcomes.