PREGNANCY AND IRON
 |
Several reasons why the diet is inadequate with regard to iron for all pregnant women.
In relation to earlier periods:
- Energy requirement reduced
- Iron intake reduced
- Iron density of diet reduced (mg iron/1000 kcal)
- Iron absorption lower
 |
[Ref 20]
Question: Why is the iron absorption lower today?
Iron needs in pregnancy:
Foetus (300 mg)
Placenta (50 mg)
Increase in red blood cells (450 mg)
Basal iron loss (240 mg)
Total iron needs (1040 mg)
At birth:
Decrease in maternal blood cells (+ 450 mg)
Blood loss (200 mg)
NETTO TOTAL NEED (790 mg)
Iron needs at start: 0,8 mg iron/day
Iron needs last month: 10-12 mg iron/day
(Source: Hallberg, 1988)