Conclusion Applying the CHERG rules , we recommend a 73 % reduction in anemia at term with daily iron ( alone ) supplementation or iron/folate ( combined ) vs. no intervention or placebo ; for inclusion in the LiST model .
Introduction Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency in the world , particularly during pregnancy .
According to the literature , anemia , particularly severe anemia , is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality .
It also puts mothers at risk of multiple perinatal complications .
Numerous studies in the past have evaluated the impact of supplementation with iron and iron-folate but data regarding the efficacy and quality of evidence of these interventions are lacking .
This article aims to address the impact of iron with and without folate supplementation on maternal anemia and provides outcome specific quality according to the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group ( CHERG ) guidelines .
Efficacy and tolerability of low-dose iron supplements during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND Iron deficiency anemia ( IDA ) is common in pregnant women , but previous trials aim ed at preventing IDA used high-dose iron supplements that are known to cause gastrointestinal side effects . OBJECTIVE The objective was to assess the effect on  maternal IDA and iron deficiency ( ID , without anemia ) of supplementing pregnant women with a low dosage ( 20 mg/d ) of iron . Effects on iron status were assessed at the time of delivery and at 6 mo postpartum . Gastrointestinal side effects were assessed at 24 and 36 wk of gestation . DESIGN This was a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial of a 20-mg daily iron supplement ( ferrous sulfate ) given from 20 wk of gestation until delivery . RESULTS A total of 430 women were enrolled , and 386 ( 89.7 % ) completed the follow-up to 6 mo postpartum . At delivery , fewer women from the iron-supplemented group than from the placebo group had IDA [ 6/198 , or 3 % , compared with 20/185 , or 11 % ; relative risk ( RR ) : 0.28 ; 95 % CI : 0.12 , 0.68 ; P < 0.005 ] , and fewer women from the iron-supplemented group had ID ( 65/186 , or 35 % , compared with 102/176 , or 58 % ; RR : 0.60 ; 95 % CI : 0.48 , 0.76 ; P < 0.001 ) . There was no significant difference in gastrointestinal side effects between groups . At 6 mo postpartum , fewer women from the iron-supplemented group had ID ( 31/190 , or 16 % , compared with 51/177 , or 29 % ; RR : 0.57 ; 95 % CI : 0.38 , 0.84 ; P < 0.005 ) . The rate of IDA between the groups did not differ significantly at 6 mo postpartum . CONCLUSION Supplementing the diet of women with 20 mg Fe/d from week 20 of pregnancy until delivery is an effective strategy for preventing IDA and ID without side effects
Conclusion Applying the CHERG rules , we recommend a 73 % reduction in anemia at term with daily iron ( alone ) supplementation or iron/folate ( combined ) vs. no intervention or placebo ; for inclusion in the LiST model .
Introduction Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency in the world , particularly during pregnancy .
According to the literature , anemia , particularly severe anemia , is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality .
It also puts mothers at risk of multiple perinatal complications .
Numerous studies in the past have evaluated the impact of supplementation with iron and iron-folate but data regarding the efficacy and quality of evidence of these interventions are lacking .
This article aims to address the impact of iron with and without folate supplementation on maternal anemia and provides outcome specific quality according to the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group ( CHERG ) guidelines .