Question

Question 1 5 pts A pregnant woman had a Hgb <11.0 and serum ferritin <15. a) Recommend appropriate amounts of iron supplementation and discuss the absorption rates based on supplemental iron amounts and type. b) If this woman experiences side effects taking one iron tablet/day, what other choices are available?

Answer 1

A) It is recommended that every pregnant woman should take 30 mg per day iron supplements and for the women who have low ferritin level as well as anaemic then she should take 30 to 120 mg per daily. Prescribing iron as single alternative day dose may be superior dosing regimen comparing with daily dosing.

The studies shows that the maximal absorption of iron occurs with the dose ranging from 40 to 80 mg of elemental iron daily. Also the greater doses do not result in more iron absorption so alternate day iron dosing are recommended.

B) It is seen that many pregnant women who takes daily oral iron supplements can have gastrointestinal side effects which may lead to discontinue the iron therapy. Taking iron supplements on intermittent basis may help to reduce these side effects and improve iron stores.