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Iron plays a crucial role in human health, particularly for women during pregnancy and those seeking to conceive. This essential mineral, often underestimated, is a fundamental pillar of fertility and healthy fetal development. In this article, we explore in depth the links between iron, dietary supplements and their influence on pregnancy and fertility. Discover Plusbaby's pregnancy and fertility dietary supplement Iron.
Iron deficiency is a major concern in the world of maternal health, affecting not only the health of the mother but also that of the unborn child. Iron supplementation is often recommended to overcome this deficiency, but it is crucial to understand how the body absorbs this mineral, as well as its interaction with other essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, folates, and vitamin C. Iron-rich foods, different types of supplements, and their impact on the immune system and metabolism are important aspects to consider. In addition, the specific nutritional needs of pregnant women highlight the importance of adequate vitamin and mineral intake, underscoring the vital role of dietary supplements in maintaining a healthy pregnancy and promoting fertility.
In the following sections, we will discuss all these aspects in detail, with particular emphasis on current medical and scientific research, and examine how Plusbaby's products meet these specific needs, choosing safer and more effective forms of iron for expectant mothers.
Iron, a vital trace elementplays a crucial role in women's reproductive health, particularly during pregnancy and for fertility. Essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin, iron enables this red blood cell protein to transport oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, including the placenta and the developing fetus. Increased blood volume during pregnancy requires more iron to maintain adequate oxygenation, which is crucial for the mother's health and the optimal development of the fetus.
Iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to complications such as poor fetal growth, developmental delay, and in severe cases, premature birth or low birth weight. A good iron supply is also necessary to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during and after delivery, an important factor in maternal health.
In terms of fertility, an adequate level of iron is essential. Iron deficiency can lead to anovulation (absence of ovulation) and can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting fertility. In addition, adequate levels of iron are necessary for the proper functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates the hormones required for reproduction.
Iron's role in the immune system is also fundamental. It helps in the formation of immune cells, important for protecting both mother and fetus against infection. In addition, iron is involved in several metabolic and enzymatic processes crucial to cell development and DNA synthesis, which is essential for fetal development.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in women, particularly those of childbearing age and pregnant women. The symptoms of this deficiency may be subtle at first, but can become more severe over time. They include persistent fatigue, weakness, pale skin, headaches, dizziness, or even shortness of breath on minor exertions.
When it comes to pregnancy, iron deficiency is of particular concern. It can lead to iron deficiency anemia, where the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells. This condition can reduce oxygen supply to the fetus, which can delay its development and increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight. It can also weaken the mother, increasing her risk of complications during and after childbirth, such as post-partum hemorrhage.
In addition, iron deficiency can have a significant impact on mental health, increasing the risk of depression during and after pregnancy. It can also affect concentration and memory, adversely affecting the mother's quality of life.
Iron deficiency can also have a negative impact on fertility. It can cause irregularities in the menstrual cycle, affecting ovulation and the ability to conceive. Women suffering from iron deficiency may also experience longer, more painful menstrual cycles, which can indirectly affect their fertility.
Early diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency is therefore crucial, especially for pregnant women or those trying to conceive. Adequate iron intake, whether through diet or supplementation, is essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy and maintain fertility. Health professionals often recommend regular testing for iron deficiency and personalized advice on supplementation and diet.
Iron supplementation is a key component of health management, especially for pregnant women or those looking to conceive. Iron plays an essential role in many biological processes, including hemoglobin formation, oxygen transport, and immune system support. When diet alone isn't enough to supply the necessary amount of this vital mineral, iron supplements become indispensable.
The types of iron supplements are varied, each with its own benefits and considerations. The most common forms of iron supplements include ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate and ferrous gluconate. These compounds provide a significant amount of elemental iron and are generally the most economical options. However, they can sometimes cause digestive side effects such as constipation or nausea.
Another form of iron supplement is iron bisglycinate, which is often better tolerated and can be more easily absorbed by the body. Although this form can be more expensive, it is generally recommended for people with digestive sensitivities or those who cannot tolerate more traditional forms of iron.
Iron supplementation is particularly crucial for pregnant women, as they have increased iron requirements to support fetal development and compensate for blood loss during childbirth. For women seeking to conceive, adequate iron intake can improve fertility and prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy.
The efficiency of iron absorption is significantly influenced by other nutrients present in the diet. Some nutrients may enhance iron absorption, while others may inhibit it.
Vitamin C is the best-known facilitator of iron absorption. It converts non-heme iron (found in plant-based foods) into a form more easily absorbed by the body. Eating vitamin C-rich foods at the same time as iron sources can increase iron absorption. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries and peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C.
On the other hand, certain components present in foods can inhibit iron absorption. For example, phytates, found in wholemeal cereals and legumes, can bind to iron and reduce its absorption. Similarly, the polyphenols found in tea, coffee and certain plants, as well as the calcium present in dairy products, can also reduce iron absorption.
It's important to strike a balance in the diet to maximize iron absorption. For example, by combining iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods, while limiting the intake of inhibitory substances at the time of iron-rich meals.
An iron-rich diet is essential for women, especially those who wish to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Iron is found in two forms in food: heme iron, from animal sources, and non-heme iron, from plant sources. Foods rich in heme iron include red meat, poultry and fish, while plant sources include legumes, fortified cereals, nuts, seeds and certain green leafy vegetables such as spinach.
According to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), daily iron requirements vary according to a woman's status. For a woman seeking to conceive, it is recommended to consume around 15 mg of iron per day. During pregnancy, this requirement increases to a minimum of around 30 mg per day, due to increased blood volume and fetal development. For breastfeeding women, the need for iron decreases slightly, but remains higher than for non-pregnant women, with a recommendation of around 20 mg per day.
To meet these needs, incorporating iron-rich foods into every meal is crucial. For example, a meal might include 100 g of red meat (around 2.7 mg of iron), a portion of lentils (6.6 mg per 100 g), accompanied by spinach (3.6 mg per 100 g) and an orange (for vitamin C, which promotes iron absorption). Although this meal contains a significant amount of iron, it's important to note that the absorption of non-heme iron from plant sources is less efficient than that of heme iron.
However, it can be difficult to meet daily iron requirements through diet alone, especially during pregnancy. This is due to the increased requirements and variability of iron absorption. In addition, some women may have dietary restrictions or preferences that limit their intake of certain sources of iron.
During pregnancy, iron supplementation often becomes necessary to ensure adequate intake. Recommended forms of iron supplementation during pregnancy vary, but the most commonly used are ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate and ferrous gluconate. These supplements are not always effective in rapidly increasing iron levels, and can sometimes cause side effects such as gastrointestinal upset.
An alternative is iron bisglycinate, a chelated form of iron that is generally better tolerated and can be more easily absorbed. This can be particularly useful for women who experience side effects with other forms of iron. The recommended dose for supplementation during pregnancy varies, but is generally around 30-60 mg of elemental iron per day, depending on a woman's iron levels and the advice of her healthcare professional.
It is essential that iron supplementation during pregnancy be monitored by a healthcare professional. An overdose of iron can be toxic, leading to complications for both mother and fetus. Therefore, supplementation must be personalized and adapted to individual needs.
In conclusion, while diet is the primary source to consider in meeting iron needs, supplementation often becomes necessary during conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding to ensure adequate levels. This combined approach ensures that iron requirements are met, promoting a healthy pregnancy and optimal fetal development.
Although iron supplementation is essential to prevent and treat iron deficiency, it can be accompanied by side effects. The most common include constipation, abdominal pain, nausea and, in some cases, darker stools. To minimize these effects, we recommend starting with a low dose of iron and gradually increasing it, or opting for better-tolerated forms of iron such as iron bisglycinate.
It is also advisable to take iron supplements with food to reduce gastrointestinal irritation, although this may slightly reduce absorption. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating fiber-rich foods and engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent or relieve constipation.
Medical supervision is crucial when taking iron supplements. Overdosage can lead to serious symptoms, including iron overload, damage to internal organs and, in rare cases, can be fatal. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always consult a healthcare professional before starting iron supplementation.
Iron oxide is a type of iron used in some dietary supplements, including prenatal vitamins. Although generally considered safe, iron oxide has a relatively low bioavailability compared to other forms of iron, meaning that less iron is actually absorbed and used by the body. This can be particularly problematic during pregnancy, when iron requirements are considerably increased.
Supplements containing iron oxide can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as constipation and stomach upset, more frequently than other forms of iron. These effects can discourage pregnant women from continuing iron supplementation, potentially leading to deficiency.
For these reasons, many healthcare professionals recommend other forms of iron supplementation, such as iron bisglycinate, especially during pregnancy. These forms are generally better absorbed and may be easier to tolerate, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects and ensuring more effective iron supplementation. When choosing fertility supplements or prenatal vitamins, make sure the iron is in the form of iron bisglycinate. If nothing is marked, it's probably iron oxide, as it's much cheaper.... So choose another one that is transparent in its selection.
Iron bisglycinate is a form of chelated iron, in which the iron is bound to two molecules of glycine, an amino acid. This particular configuration promotes better absorption of iron in the intestine, reducing the gastrointestinal side effects often associated with other forms of iron supplementation. Unlike non-chelated forms, iron bisglycinate is less likely to be inhibited by other dietary components and is therefore more effectively absorbed.
Iron bisglycinate is renowned for its high bioavailability, meaning that more of the iron ingested is actually used by the body. This increased efficiency often reduces the overall dose needed to achieve desired iron levels, which can be particularly beneficial for people with high iron requirements, such as pregnant women.
Because of its superior gastrointestinal tolerance, iron bisglycinate is an attractive option for those who have had negative experiences with other forms of iron supplementation. This form of iron is also suitable for people on restricted diets or for those who prefer a non-constipating form of iron supplement.
Iron bisglycinate has many benefits:
Iron bisglycinate and iron oxide are two forms of iron supplement that differ considerably in terms of bioavailability and tolerance. Iron oxide, often used in dietary supplements due to its lower cost, has relatively low bioavailability. This means that the body absorbs a smaller amount of iron from this form, which may not be sufficient to meet increased iron requirements, such as during pregnancy.
In addition, iron oxide is known to more frequently cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation and abdominal pain. These effects can make taking it less pleasant and less effective, especially for pregnant women already prone to digestive problems.
In contrast, iron bisglycinate offers significantly greater bioavailability, ensuring that more iron is absorbed and utilized by the body. This enhanced efficacy is accompanied by improved gastrointestinal tolerance, making iron bisglycinate more comfortable to take on a regular basis, especially for pregnant women or those with digestive sensitivities.
The benefits of iron bisglycinate extend beyond its high bioavailability and gastrointestinal tolerance. As a chelated form of iron, bisglycinate is less likely to interact with other nutrients, enabling more efficient absorption of iron, even when taken with food or other supplements.
This form of iron is particularly beneficial for groups at high risk of iron deficiency, such as pregnant women, women with heavy menstrual cycles, and people following a vegetarian or vegan diet. For these groups, iron bisglycinate offers a more direct and easily usable source of iron, helping to prevent iron deficiency complications such as iron-deficiency anemia and chronic fatigue.
In addition, iron bisglycinate is often recommended for people with a history of gastrointestinal disorders associated with taking iron supplements. Its gentle stomach formula makes it more comfortable to take over an extended period, which is essential to ensure long-term adherence to iron deficiency treatment.
In conclusion, iron bisglycinate represents an advantageous iron supplementation option, combining efficient absorption with superior tolerability, making it suitable for a wide variety of individual needs and preferences.
Plusbaby is a company focused on supporting women and women's fertility and during preconception, pregnancy and the postnatal period. They develop products and resources based on the latest scientific and medical research into fertility and pregnancy. Plusbaby stands out for its scientific rigor in the formulation of its supplements, choosing minerals and vitamins with high bioavailability and nutrients with fewer undesirable side effects. Their commitment to quality and the use of natural and vegan ingredients is a pillar of their identity.
Plusbaby's product range includes iron bisglycinate in all their iron-containing food supplements: +fertiwomen, a food supplement for women's fertility, and +mumprenatal vitamins for pregnancy, breastfeeding and the postpartum period. The choice of iron bisglycinate instead of iron oxide is deliberate because of its many advantages. Iron bisglycinate has a very low molecular weight, making it highly assimilable by the body. Unlike iron oxide, bisglycinate is electrically neutral and is unaffected by stomach acidity, enabling better absorption.
Plusbaby has eliminated the use of iron oxide or iron sulfate, common in other prenatal vitamins, and opted for iron bisglycinate because of its very low acidity, which reduces the risk of intestinal disorders and other side effects. What's more, iron chelated to an amino acid escapes the inhibitors that can reduce its effectiveness in the body. This approach demonstrates Plusbaby's commitment to providing products that are not only effective, but also comfortable and safe for women during these crucial stages of their lives.
The combination of these elements makes Plusbaby products, in particular +fertiwomen and +mum, wise choices for women seeking to optimize their fertility and support their health and that of their baby during pregnancy, breastfeeding and beyond. By choosing iron bisglycinate, Plusbaby demonstrates its commitment to innovation and quality, offering supplements designed to meet women's specific needs while minimizing unwanted side effects and maximizing iron absorption and effectiveness.
Recent research into iron supplementation, in particular iron bisglycinate, for pregnancy and fertility has brought significant clarity. A randomized controlled trial examined the bioavailability, efficacy and safety of oral iron bisglycinate plus folinic acid supplementation in iron-deficient pregnant women. This study revealed that iron bisglycinate, even at a lower dose of elemental iron, was as effective as ferrous fumarate, a more common form of iron supplement, in increasing iron levels and other hematological biomarkers. In addition, women who received iron bisglycinate reported fewer side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or a metallic taste.
In addition, a systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the impact of maternal iron status during pregnancy on the long-term health of children after birth. Although the results were heterogeneous, it emerged from these studies that low maternal iron status or iron deficiency was associated with unfavorable outcomes in children, particularly in terms of neurological development. This review highlights the need for further studies to define iron deficiency and iron overload in pregnancy in a clinically meaningful way.
This research highlights the importance of adequate iron supplementation during pregnancy, not only for the health of the mother, but also for the long-term development of the child. Iron bisglycinate is emerging as a promising option, offering both high bioavailability and improved tolerability, which could make it a preferable choice in the management of iron deficiency during pregnancy.
These references provide crucial information on the latest research into iron supplementation, in particular iron bisglycinate, for pregnant women and its impact on the health of children after birth.
In short, the importance of iron for reproductive health, particularly during pregnancy and the fertile period, cannot be underestimated. Iron deficiency, a major public health problem, can have adverse effects on both mother and unborn child, underlining the importance of adequate supplementation. Choosing the right type of iron supplement is crucial, and iron bisglycinate stands out as a superior option, offering better bioavailability and fewer side effects than other forms of iron.
At Plusbaby, we understand these issues and have incorporated iron bisglycinate into our products. +fertiwomen and +mum. These supplements are designed to meet the specific needs of women at different stages of their fertility and maternity journey, providing highly assimilable, well-tolerated iron. Our commitment to the quality, efficacy and safety of our products reflects our dedication to supporting women's health and well-being.
We invite you to choose Plusbaby for iron supplementation that not only meets nutritional needs during pregnancy and fertility, but does so safely, effectively and comfortably. With Plusbaby, you're doing more than adding a supplement to your daily regimen; you're choosing a trusted partner on your journey to healthy, fulfilling motherhood.
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