Iron deficiency: symptoms, effects and treatment

If you are (or have been) pregnant, you know how often iron comes up during pregnancy. Indeed, it is an essential mineral for our well-being, as it orchestrates the production of red blood cells and the proper functioning of bone marrow. This mission is even more vital for pregnant women, whose iron needs skyrocket to support the pregnancy and fetal development. However, even if not all women are affected, iron deficiency anemia, the medical term for iron deficiency, remains common during pregnancy, and should not be overlooked. What are its symptoms? How to treat it? Let's tell you everything, here we go.

What is the role of iron in the human body?

Iron plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of our body, especially in pregnant women.

Why do we need iron?

Without iron, your body would not be able to produce enough healthy red blood cells. So, it's safe to say it's a pretty useful element for good health! It therefore plays an essential role in:

• transporting vital oxygen throughout your body;
• converting nutrients into energy.

During pregnancy, iron becomes even more important. It supports the healthy development of the fetus and placenta... but not only that! It also helps prevent iron deficiency anemia, a condition that can make gestation a little riskier.

How much iron do we need?

According to ANSES, iron needs differ depending on sex and life stages:

• Approximately 11 mg/day for men and menopausal women or women with light bleeding;
• Approximately 16 mg/day for women with heavy bleeding, who are pregnant or breastfeeding.  

It's worth noting that a normal diet provides between 10 and 15 mg of iron per day, only 5 to 10% of which will be absorbed by the body.

 

Iron deficiency, what are its symptoms?

Iron deficiency can manifest through a series of different symptoms:

• Persistent fatigue that does not disappear with rest.
• Pale skin and mucous membranes (indicating low hemoglobin levels).
• Shortness of breath, even after light exertion.
• A faster heart rate (as it compensates for lack of oxygen).
• Dizzy spells.

In some people, iron deficiency can lead to other signs such as:

• brittle nails;
• hair loss;
• headaches;

These symptoms can be more concerning for pregnant women, as they affect their own health, as well as that of their unborn child.

How to diagnose iron deficiency?

To diagnose iron deficiency, your doctor will generally prescribe a clinical assessment with a specific blood test to measure various indicators related to your iron levels.

What do we measure through this blood test? Several factors, including your hemoglobin level: a low level can indicate iron deficiency. This assessment involves several blood tests, such as ferritin level measurement or serum ferritin measurement.

If they are low, no doubt: your iron reserves are depleted. You may then be recommended the most appropriate treatment to correct this iron deficiency anemia.

What are the most common causes of iron deficiency?

Common causes in women

One of the most common causes of iron deficiency in women between puberty and menopause is heavy periods. If blood loss is particularly intense, diet becomes an insufficient source of iron, leaving the body with empty reserves.

Because yes, sometimes, diet can no longer compensate for the lack of iron. If it is of animal origin, it will be better absorbed by the body than if it is of plant origin. So if you're on a vegetarian diet, plan it carefully to avoid deficiencies.

Causes specific to pregnancy

Pregnancy leads to a significant increase in iron needs, necessary for the development of the fetus and placenta... but also for the increase in red blood cell volume in the mother. She must therefore strengthen her iron reserves with rich and varied foods, at the risk of developing a higher deficiency.

How to treat iron deficiency?

By adopting an iron-rich diet

To increase your iron intake and red blood cell count, favor animal products such as:

• red meat;
• poultry;
• fish.

Are you vegetarian? No problem, there are plenty of plant-based iron sources:

• legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans, etc.);
• nuts;
• dark chocolate (yum!);
• green leafy vegetables.

We advise you to always combine these foods with sources of vitamin C, as it is known to improve iron absorption.

With supplements

If your diet does not allow you to compensate for the lack of iron, your doctor may eventually recommend dietary supplements. However, many pregnant women find it difficult to complete their course of treatment, as these tablets can cause stomach upset and constipation. Yet, the time when they are most at risk of being anemic is precisely at the end of pregnancy! This is why it is important to maintain sufficient iron reserves throughout pregnancy, in consultation with your doctor or midwife.

At Boome, we have chosen to develop a dedicated iron food supplement, based on patented chelated iron (bisglycinate) combined with vitamin C, which contributes to normal iron absorption. Our iron benefits from good intestinal tolerance (goodbye stomach upset from iron) and high bioavailability.

If you are using our pregnancy vitamins, be sure to take them separately from your other supplements. This is because when mixed with other ingredients, iron oxidizes certain molecules and can reduce their effects. We recommend taking vitamins in the morning and the iron supplement in the evening.

Are you pregnant and don't know where to start in terms of vitamins? Discover how to choose your pregnancy vitamins.

Intravenously

In cases of severe anemia or when oral supplements are not well tolerated, intravenous supplementation may be considered. This method allows for a rapid increase in ferritin levels in the body. It is generally reserved for situations where intestinal absorption is compromised, or when iron reserves need to be replenished quickly, particularly in preparation for surgery.

To conclude on the importance of iron in our bodies is to highlight the vital role that red blood cells and bone marrow play in our health. Especially if you are pregnant! Iron deficiency, although common, can have serious consequences for your well-being and that of your unborn child. But with a balanced diet, the right supplements and, in some cases, specific medical treatment... You will maintain solid iron stores for a perfect pregnancy and incredible energy!