Iron - a Vital Mineral

In pregnancy extra iron is a must so that sufficient hemoglobin can be manufactured for two. Where once the average woman needed 15mg, now during pregnancy the dose doubles to 30mg. Pregnant females who take iron supplements have higher hemoglobin levels, which will help in maintaining energy throughout this challenging time.

The Lack of it..

• Iron is very vital for the fetus; it is the only nutrient which the fetus is largely dependant on the mother for its dose.
• If the mother doesn't have a sufficient store of this mineral, she is likely to feel fatigued most of the time and also become very susceptible to illnesses due to the depletion in iron
• Lack of iron will put a strain on the maternal heart
• Lack of iron will also endanger the mother should she bleed in excess during delivery
• On the flipside an iron overdose can be dangerous as well

Iron Facts

• Iron is needed for the formation of red blood cells; sufficient stores of iron is a must from the start of the pregnancy to ensure a good energy level
• Many women have an inadequate level of iron in their system when they begin their pregnancies
• Since the demand for iron doubles during pregnancy, diet alone becomes an unrealistic option. The average woman cannot depend on diet alone for her iron supplement
• Before iron supplements are added to her daily regime, her blood level needs to be measured to ascertain the need for supplements
• If her hemoglobin level is found to be low, further testing needs to be done to determine the exact cause of anemia
• Iron deficiency alone is not the possible reason for anemia
• There are two types of iron, heme and nonheme iron, categorized thus because it is derived from meat and non-meat sources respectively.
• Heme iron is more readily absorbed than nonheme iron
• Therefore vegetarians have to be careful to make sure they get sufficient dose of this mineral

Iron Supplement Essentials

• Absorption of iron is enhanced by vitamin C. Supplements should be taken with orange juice which is rich in this vitamin
• Certain foods and medications including dairy and antacids interfere with iron absorption
• An iron tablet should never be taken with milk or a bowl of cereal with milk, for instance
• In the later months of pregnancy, the iron dose contained in prenatal vitamins won't suffice. Women may have to take separate iron tablets.
• Iron tablets come in several forms and under various trade names: ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate
• Iron can suppress zinc levels - do not exceed the recommended dose unless advised by your doctor

The Occasional Drawback

• For some women, iron dose in tablet form can be rather challenging. A switch to liquid form is an option worth trying
• Iron tablets should be taken with appropriate meals (remember to stick to non-dairy stuff). Drink your milk between meals
• Iron in excess can cause dry stools leading to constipation
• Sometimes some women respond to iron with diarrhea
• Diarrhea or constipation, it is advisable to change the form: from tablet to liquid as liquid tends to be easier on the tummy
• You may also try switching to either one of the three compounds (e.g. ferrous fumarate to ferrous gluconate) and see if it works for you
• Sometimes the strength of the supplement could be at fault. The strength may have to be reduced
• If you decide to reduce the strength make sure you somehow make up by increasing your intake of iron-rich foods everyday