Iron Supplements: A Case Study

Iron deficiency is the largest nutritional deficiency globally, with an estimated 52% of pregnant women in developing countries identified as iron deficient (Gautam CS et. al 2008) and approximately 25% in Australia (Thorogood C & Donaldson, C 2015). Iron supplementation is commonly used complimentary medicine within midwifery care as a significant number of women suffer from the most common form of anaemia, iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) (Reveiz L et. al 2011). In Australia during the perinatal period, IDA is classified as a haemoglobin (Hb) level less than 110g/L (SAMNCN 2016a). This can be diagnosed during routine blood examinations throughout pregnancy or at any time that symptoms of IDA arise (SAMNCN 2016a). Although a significant number of Australian women require iron supplementation during pregnancy, the routine administration of iron supplements for all women has not been recommended due to the lack of trials and evidence for patient-centred outcomes (SAMNCN 2016a). However, unlike many other complimentary medicines, there is strong evidence for the use of iron supplements to treat IDA during the perinatal period, such evidence is found in the South Australian Perinatal Practice Guidelines (SAPPG) and in multiple Cochrane reviews (SAMNCN 2016a & (Reveiz L et. al 2011). …show more content…
Iron supplementation works to increase the haemoglobin in the blood that is responsible for oxygen transportation that may be depleted for a variety of reasons (Victorian State Government; Better Health Channel 2014). By increasing the Hb, the symptoms of IDA such as fatigue and dizziness are