Prävalenz und Risikofaktoren von Eisenmangel bei jungen Müttern*

Abstract

Qualitiy of life and achievements are impaired by unrecognised iron deficiency. The iron requirement of women during their child-bearing age is high and increases in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for iron deficiency in young mothers under contemporary German life conditions. Between September 1997 and August 1998 the iron status of 507 mothers of one-year old children was assessed. The data was derived from venous blood and questionnaires. Besides conventional methods, the concentration of soluble transferrin receptor was used as leading indicator of iron status. 9,5 % had cellular iron deficiency and 2,2 % of all mothers had iron deficiency anemia. In addition to absence of menstruation one year postpartum, vegetarian foood, a high number of children and non-German nationality are risk factors for iron deficiency. Associated with low maternal hemoglobin concentration are body mass index below 19,8, age below 25 years, low level of education and high birth weight of the child. In contrast, high alcohol intake and cigarette smoking are associated with a better iron status and higher hemoglobin concentrations. Children of mothers with insufficient iron supply are also at higher risk of iron deficiency.

German National Consensus Recommendations on Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy by the ‘Healthy Start - Young Family Network'

“…Eggs, legumes, whole-grain products and some types of vegetables can contribute to iron intake. However, the risk for an insufficient iron supply is increased in ovo-lacto vegetarians [50,51]. Pregnant women who already followed a vegetarian diet for a prolonged time before they became pregnant also show an increased risk for deficiencies in vitamin B 12 and zinc [50,52,53,54].…”

Diet and Lifestyle Before and During Pregnancy – Practical Recommendations of the Germany-wide Healthy Start – Young Family Network

“…Milk and dairy products, eggs, pulses and cereal products usually provide sufficient protein intake. The risk of insufficient iron intake is increased for ovo-lacto vegetarians 77 , 78 . Pulses, (wholegrain) cereal products and some types of vegetable contain reasonably large quantities of iron, although less readily available than iron from meat and fish.…”

Ernährung in der Schwangerschaft – Handlungsempfehlungen des Netzwerks „Gesund ins Leben – Netzwerk Junge Familie“

“…Eier, Hülsenfrüchte, (Vollkorn-)Getreideprodukte und einige Gemüsearten können zur Eisenzufuhr beitragen. Das Risiko für eine unzureichende Versorgung mit Eisen ist jedoch für Ovo-lakto-Vegetarierinnen erhöht [45,46]. Schwangere Frauen, die sich bereits vor der Schwangerschaft über lange Zeit vegetarisch ernährt haben, zeigen auch ein erhöhtes Risiko für einen Mangel an Vitamin B 12 und Zink [47 -49, 45].…”