Iron During Pregnancy

Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.

Last year, we learned that iron supplements were harmful, but what about for pregnant women? It’s a chief component of most prenatal vitamins. Now, this is for non-anemic women. Obviously, if you’re iron deficient, no matter who you are, you may need extra iron.

But if your blood count’s okay, is supplemental iron during pregnancy harmful, harmless, or helpful? It’s harmful. “Non-anaemic pregnant women should not take iron supplements.” But why?

Increases the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, and maternal high blood pressure. In fact, during the first trimester, your body dramatically curtails iron absorption naturally. Maybe, this researcher is suggesting, it’s your body’s way of trying to protect the baby. Your body can only control the absorption of plant iron, though. Blood iron—so-called “heme” iron from animal sources—cannot be controlled by your body. It goes straight through the gut, and inadvertently, we could get too much of it.

Please consider volunteering to help out on the site.

• Non-anaemic pregnant women should not take iron supplements. Prescrire Int. 2009 Dec;18(104):261-2.
• Weinberg ED. First trimester curtailment of iron absorption: innate suppression of a teratogen? Med Hypotheses. 2010 Feb;74(2):246-7. Epub 2009 Oct 4.

• anemia
• iron
• nutrient absorption
• pregnancy
• prenatal vitamins
• supplements
• women's health