The role of iron during pregnancy and lactation
Nutrition is one of the important factors for a successful pregnancy and its outcome, sufficient lactation, maintaining the health of the mother, fetus and newborn. The development of the fetus is directly dependent on the nutritional status of the mother, and if the nutrition is inadequate, the supply of the fetus will be limited, which can lead to competition between mother and child for nutrients. A diet depleted of micronutrients, primarily iron, can lead to iron deficiency in the mother and affect lactation function. Evidence suggests that unbalanced nutrition and iron deficiency in the fetus can have a negative impact on human health in the postnatal period, as well as affect the metabolic status of future generations. Iron deficiency occurs as a result of a discrepancy between the need increased during pregnancy and the intake of the mineral from food, which leads to disruption of the work of all organs and systems, and reduces physical and mental performance. If a latent iron deficiency is detected, it is necessary to balance the diet, and use lUDs or iron preparations as a nutritional correction. When iron deficiency anemia is detected, it is necessary to use iron preparations along with complex diet therapy, taking into account the effect of individual nutrients on the absorption of the microelement.