Iron deficiency in pregnant women: effect on offspring neuropsychic development

Abstract

Increasing evidence indicates that adversities in utero and early childhood can have long-lasting effects on physiological and mental health not only in childhood but also in adulthood. Micronutrient deficiency, and in particular iron deficiency, is one of the most significant factors. Based on literature data, to determine the effect of iron deficiency in pregnant women on the neuropsychological development of infants, as well as to determine a cohort of pregnant women who need iron supplements. The search was conducted in MEDLINE (from PubMed), EMBASE (from OVID), Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2010 to December 2023 without language restrictions. Data were extracted. Primary outcomes included iron deficiency, serum ferritin less than 15 μg/L in pregnant women, perinatal outcomes, and development of children in infancy. The data of serum ferritin in umbilical cord blood in newborns were compared with the serum ferritin of mothers. Data on iron supplementation and its effect on perinatal outcomes were assessed. Daily oral iron supplementation during pregnancy in women without IDA or ID reduces the incidence of iron deficiency anemia at the woman’s due date, reduces the incidence of iron deficiency in fullterm neonates, and reduces the incidence of morbidity in low-birth-weight infants. Iron supplementation during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a strategy for timely replenishment of ID and prevention of IDA to reduce cerebral iron deficiency in the fetus and newborn. The absence of side effects and high bioavailability, enhanced by ascorbic acid, allow us to recommend SunActive®Fe Bonoferlat as a daily supplement for pregnant and lactating women, according to WHO recommendations.