---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1999 08:13:49 -0400
From: Beverly Chalmers <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: antenatal iron supplementation for all? (fwd)

I suggest you refer to the Cochrane Collaboration Reproductive Health
Database for the latest reviews on iron supplementation.

In essence there is significant doubt as to whether iron supplementation
routinely for all pregnant women is beneficial.  Indications are that unless
the iron levels and stores reach very low levels (<8)  then low Hg is not a
problem for pregnancy and may, in fact,  be physiological.

Selected iron supplementation, on indication, in pregnancy would then seems
to be the route to follow rather thanh routine supplementation for all.

But this is still very controversial in most health promotion circles....
WHO is developing a report on iron supplemenmtation at present.  You could
contact them in Geneva to see whether it is ready yet.

Sincerely

Beverley Chalmers
>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>Date: Sat, 21 Aug 1999 08:54:15 -0200
>From: Pierre and Lee Ann Dil <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: antenatal iron supplementation for all?
>
>Dear colleagues,
>
>I want to do a small literature review
>as part of my family practice residency, which should answer a "clinical
>question".
>I have been involved in iron supplementaion programmes in Malawi in
>Africa and Zambia, and I know that in Africa we generally say that
>iron supplementation is imperative in the antenatal period, for all
>women. Here in Canada I find that only select groups receive iron in
>pregnancy, such as those with a short birth interval, those with
>established low haemoglobin, and a few other instances.
>
>I am interested in hearing back as to whether you think it is valid to
>NOT give iron supplementation to all pregnant women? Is this at all a
>contentious area, or have there been very clear clinical guidelines
>established (and are these based on good reserach)?
>
>Another question, which might be outside of the expertise in this
>group, is whether there is proven maternal morbidity and perinatal
>mortality, in women with low iron stores (as measured for instance
>through ferritin or transeferrin receptor levels) and NORMAL
>haemoglobin?
>
>Many thanks and I hope to hear from you.
>
>Pierre Dil
>home page     http://members.truepath.com/dil/dil.html
>
>international health page
>http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Falls/2949/ihealth.htm
>
>