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 .
Iron requirement in normal pregnancy as assessed by serum ferritin, serum transferrin saturation and erythrocyte protoporphyrin determinations
Summary . Serum iron , serum iron‐binding capacity , serum ferritin and erythrocyte protoporphyrin were determined during uncomplicated pregnancy in 45 healthy women ; 22 were given oral iron  while the others were given a placebo . When iron was not given , 15 out of 23 women had exhausted iron stores and iron deficiency at term , as judged from low serum ferritin , low serum transferrin saturation and high erythrocyte protoporphyrin values . Only seven of them had a haemoglobin concentration between 10 and 11 g/dl at term but none had values < 10 g/dl . In the iron‐treated group ( n=22 ) none of the women developed iron deficiency . Serum ferritin was the most sensitive and specific test of iron deficiency . A practical procedure to detect iron deficiency and to control iron supplementation in pregnancy is suggested
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 .