Iron Supplementation Strategies in Maternal Health

Iron supplementation during pregnancy is a cornerstone of maternal health globally, aiming to prevent or treat iron deficiency anaemia and its associated risks for both mother and child. Approaches vary from universal daily dosing to tailored regimens based on maternal haemoglobin levels, intermittent or weekly schedules, and novel delivery platforms such as lipid-based nutrient supplements or digital counselling interventions. Optimisation of dosage seeks to balance the benefits of improved haemoglobin and iron status against potential adverse effects including gastrointestinal disturbance, oxidative stress or foetal growth perturbations. Emerging evidence emphasises individualised strategies, recognising that initial iron stores, dietary intake, geographic factors such as malaria endemicity and gestational stage influence maternal and foetal outcomes. Behavioural and health-system interventions, including virtual counselling and community-based programmes, play an increasing role in improving adherence and bioavailability. Overall, current research supports a shift from one-size-fits-all regimens towards precision-based supplementation, underpinned by biochemical monitoring and multifaceted implementation strategies to reduce global disparities in maternal and neonatal health.

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Iron Supplementation Strategies in Maternal Health publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in iron supplementation strategies in maternal health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Iron deficiency anaemia: A condition in which low iron stores limit haemoglobin synthesis, reducing red blood cell oxygen-carrying capacity.

Haemoglobin: The iron-containing protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport from the lungs to tissues.

Ferritin: An intracellular protein that stores iron and serves as a clinical marker of total body iron reserves.

Bioavailability: The proportion of ingested iron that is absorbed and becomes available for physiological functions.

Compliance: The extent to which a patient correctly follows a prescribed supplementation regimen.

References

1. Effect of Prenatal Iron Supplementation Adapted to Hemoglobin Levels in Early Pregnancy on Fetal and Neonatal Growth—ECLIPSES Study. Nutrients (2024).
2. The benefits and harms of oral iron supplementation in non-anaemic pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Family Practice (2025).
3. Effects of lipid‐based nutrient supplements or multiple micronutrient supplements compared with iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy on maternal haemoglobin and iron status. Maternal and Child Nutrition (2018).
4. Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a virtual antenatal intervention for improved diet and iron intake in Kapilvastu district, Nepal: VALID. BMJ Open (2023).