The effect of normal and high dose iron supplementation on serum ferritin levels during pregnancy

Summary

The effect of three levels of iron supplementation on serum ferritin levels was compared during normal pregnancy. Eight patients receiving no iron supplementation were compared with 13 patients receiving routine oral iron (105 mg elemental iron per day) and 10 patients receiving a high oral dose of iron (480 mg per day). The dramatic fall in serum ferritin levels in the unsupplemented and routinely supplemented women was reversed in those receiving high dose iron with no adverse effects on the fetus. This suggests that 480 mg iron per day causes an increase in iron stores regardless of the demands of pregnancy. In order to maintain total maternal iron levels, it may be beneficial to supplement the iron intake of pregnant women with an intermediate dose of 200 mg of elemental iron per day