The phase of pregnancy is full of excitement, anticipation, and major changes in a woman's body. Many health check-ups and nutritional needs are required during this period, and most often, one condition that is frequently overlooked is anemia.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Anemia in pregnancy can be seen in 40% of pregnant women worldwide. In this blog, we will discuss anemia during pregnancy and its potential risks.

What is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin( the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen). In pregnancy, a woman's body produces more blood to support the growing baby. If they do not get enough iron or certain other nutrients, the body may not be able to produce red blood cells, which leads to anemia.

Types of Anemia in Pregnancy

The most common types of anemia are:

1. Iron-deficiency anemia

This is the most common type, and it happens when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin.

2. Folate-deficiency anemia

It occurs due to the lack of folate, which is important for red blood cell development and fetal formation.

3. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

This is less common and occurs due to not enough vitamin B12, which affects the red blood cell production.

Symptoms of Anemia

In case of mild anemia, symptoms might not be that visible, which makes routine screening important. The most common signs include

• Fatigue or unusual tiredness

• Weakness

• Pale or yellowish skin

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Cold hands and feet

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

• Difficulty concentrating

Risks of Anemia in Pregnancy

If untreated, anemia can pose risks to both the mother and baby

For the Mother

• Increased fatigue

• Heart strain

• Postpartum depression

• Increased risk of blood loss during delivery

For the Baby

• Low birth weight

• Preterm birth

• Developmental delays

• Increased risk of infant anemia

Nutrifred Plus: A Comprehensive Solution for Pregnancy-Related Anemia

Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and potential complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. During pregnancy, the nutritional demand increases, particularly targeting iron intake. Nutrifred Plus is specifically designed to combat anemia and support overall maternal and fetal health.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

• Lactoferrin

An iron-binding protein helps in the prophylaxis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia.¹

Normalizes iron homeostasis by facilitating iron absorption.¹

Protects against infections and inflammatory complications caused by diagnostic surgical interventions in pregnant women.¹

• Ferrous Bisglycinate

Two-fold higher bioavailability and absorption compared to conventional iron salts, including ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate, with improved oral tolerability during pregnancy.²

Improves haemoglobin levels, iron absorption, quality of life, and birthweight in iron-deficient pregnant women. ²

Folic Acid

Required for DNA replication and as a substrate for a range of enzymatic reactions involved in amino acid synthesis and vitamin metabolism.³

Prevents congenital heart disease and oral clefts and possibly preterm birth.³

VITAMIN D3- Regulates the master iron hormone hepcidin, Influences iron metabolism and supports erythropoiesis.⁴

VITAMIN B1- Supports fetal brain development and enables to conversion of carbohydrates into energy.⁵

VITAMIN B2- Supports fetal growth, good vision, and healthy skin. Also essential for fetal’s bone, muscle, and nerve development.⁵

VITAMIN B6- Crucial for the healthy function of the brain and nervous system and plays a critical role in the development of the baby.⁵

VITAMIN B12- Essential for the fetus’s developing brain and spinal cord. It also helps make healthy red blood cells and DNA of the fetus.⁵

VITAMIN E- Protects cell membranes from damage and contributes to the structure of cells throughout the body. Contributes to healthy skin and eyes.⁵

VITAMIN B5 (CALCIUM PANTOTHINATE) - Painful leg cramps are common during pregnancy, It helps to ease these cramps. It also has the added benefit of producing important pregnancy hormones.⁵

ZINC- Reduces the incidence or the severity of maternal infections and lowers the risk of preterm birth.⁶

MAGNESIUM AS MAG HYDROXIDE- Reduces fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia as well as increase birth weight.⁷

Advantages of Nutrifred Plus

• Enhanced Iron Absorption:

The combination of lactoferrin and ferrous bisglycinate provides optimal iron absorption, addressing the increased iron requirement during pregnancy.

• Comprehensive Nutritional Support:

The proper combination of vitamins and minerals supports mental health and fetal development.

• Reduced Gastrointestinal Side Effects:

The formulation addresses the common side effects that are associated with iron supplements, such as constipation and nausea.

Nutrifred Plus is a holistic solution for managing anemia during pregnancy, ensuring both mother and baby receive the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. As always, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

References

1. Ref- Biomedicines.2021 Jul 27;9(8):898.doi: 10.3390/biomedicines9080898.

2. Ref- 2022 Feb; 14(3): 452.PMCID: PMC8839493

3. Ref- Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Summer; 4(2): 52–59.PMCID: PMC3218540

4. Ref- 2022 Apr; 14(7): 1372.PMCID: PMC9002534

5. Ref- Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3134; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093134

6. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2013 Oct 1

7. Ref- Adv Biomed Res. 2017; 6: 109.PMCID: PMC5590399