The Effectiveness of iron supplementation in the prevention of anemia during pregnancy

Abstract

Iron deficiency is the most common known form of nutritional deficiencies. Its prevalence is highest among young children and women in the child bearing age, and pregnant women. In children, iron deficiency causes developmental delay and behavioral disturbances, while in pregnant women; it increases the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight babies. Nutritional anemia refers to a condition in which the hemoglobin content of the blood is lower than normal as a result of a deficiency of one or more essential nutrients (usually iron, less frequently folate or vitamin B12). The national anemia control program in Oman has been in operation for many years. Pregnant women are provided by iron and folic acid supplement such as Fefol, Fersolate and folic acid and/or multivitamin tablets in the natal period (three whole 3 trimesters) and in the postnatal period. A new approach for the control of iron deficiency in pregnancy could be the weekly administration of iron and folic acid supplements, which has been proved very effective and has no side-effects.