A major iron trial has shown, for the first time, that a single iron infusion in late pregnancy can significantly boost iron stores in pregnant women, outperforming the efficacy of iron tablets.
Co-led by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Victoria, the study found that women receiving infusions had a lower anaemia prevalence (46.7%) versus those receiving iron tablets (62.7%) at the time of delivery.
Additionally, it discovered that a third-trimester infusion protected a mother's iron stores, even postpartum.
"While anaemia is one of the most avoidable causes of illness and death in resource-poor nations, any woman across the world can become anaemic during pregnancy, highlighting how this remains a global priority," said co-corresponding author Prof. Sant-Rayn Pasricha.
According to Pasricha, the study offers the first concrete evidence proving that infusions in late pregnancy are the best treatment for combatting anaemia in expectant mothers.
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