Iron deficiency among pregnant women, babies is preventable

By Czarina Tersita S. Martinez

FNRI-DOST S&T Media Services

A baby born full-term has usually sufficient iron stores, according to the U. S. National Academy of Science (NAS). 

Mild maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA) may not have significant effect on the iron status of the newborn but severe IDA has significant repercussions. 

The nine months of pregnancy is an exciting time for couples who are eagerly anticipating their bundle of joy. 

However, it may also be a period of stress for the expectant mother as the nutrient demand of the developing fetus adds to the normal maintenance of iron. 

Dr. Helen A. Guthrie, Professor of Nutrition at the Pennsylvania State University, says that a woman who has been well-nourished prior to conception enters pregnancy with a reserve of several nutrients that can meet the needs of the growing fetus without jeopardizing her health. 

The Food and nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) recommends that pregnant women should eat a balanced diet. Lactating women are further advised to drink enough fluids preferably milk, soups, fruit juice and water so that maternal stores will not be depleted and lactation will be sufficient. 

During pregnancy, the body conserves iron since menstruation ceases and iron absorption increases three folds. The blood protein responsible for iron absorption likewise increases. 

However, iron stores may decrease during pregnancy because iron needs also increase. 

On the last trimester of pregnancy, much of the available iron and maternal iron stores are taken up by the fetus to create its own iron stores for the first three to six months of life. 

The National Nutrition Survey (NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) found that 4 out of 10 pregnant women are suffering from IDA. 

Based on the criteria set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of IDA among pregnant women in the Philippines is of significant public health problem. 

Dr. Guthrie adds that the best method of combating iron deficiency in pregnancy is to promote high intakes of available iron by women of reproductive age so that she enters pregnancy with adequate iron stores. 

According to the FNRI-DOST, iron is present in both animal and plant origins

Liver and glanular organs are the richest sources of iron while meat, fish and poultry are the other good animal sources of iron.

Iron-rich plant foods are the legumes family, green leafy vegetables such as gamet (seaweeds), kulitis (Spineless amaranth), dahon ng malunggay (horse raddish leaves), kangkong (swamp cabbage), dahon ng gabi  (taro leaves), dahon ng kinchay (Chinese Celery leaves) , dahon ng saluyot  (jute leaves), talbos ng kamote (sweet potato leaves), and some dried fruits like prunes. 

However, iron in plant foods is non-heme iron and is less bio-available than the heme iron in animal sources. 

IDA could also be avoided by consuming foods that may help in increase iron absorption and metabolism like vitamin A, Vitamin C, and riboflavin that are abundant in fruits and vegetables.  

In addition, IDA could also be avoided by consuming fortified iron foods. The Department of Health (DOH) is advocating the consumption of foods with the Sangkap Pinoy Seal; that include iron fortified foods. The FNRI-DOST develops fortified food products including iron fortified foods that will help increase the consumption of iron.   

For more information about food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Sciecne and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan Taguig City. E-mail mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com, Telefax: (02) 8372934 and (02) 8273164, or call (02) 837-2071 local 2296 or visit our website at http//www.fnri.gov.ph.