Iron Metabolism in Pregnancy
→ Total amount needed 1000mg
→ Fetus=300mg
→ Lost at delivery= 250mg
→ Daily requirement=4-6mg/day
First trimester -1-2 mg/dl
Second trimester -4-5 mg/dl
Third trimester – 6mg/dl
- All parameters of iron metabolism decrease during pregnancy except for the two Ts viz Total iron binding capacity and serum Transferrin levels, which increase.
- No matter what form of iron we are taking only 10 % of iron in dietary form is absorbed. Which means if a pregnant female requires 4-6mg of iron she needs to take 40-60 mg of iron (as only 10% is absorbed) → Now everyday taking 40-60mg is practically not possible and therefore iron supplements are required/ mandatory during pregnancy.
