Iron Absorption and Requirements in Pregnancy and Lactation

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD · Jul 31, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how much iron pregnant and breastfeeding women need and how well their bodies absorb iron. Iron is very important during pregnancy because the body requires more of it to support both the mother and the growing baby. Many recommendations about iron intake are based on information from women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, so this study aims to provide better data specifically for women in Kenya, where low iron levels and related health issues are common.

To participate in this study, women must be pregnant and in their first trimester (less than 10 weeks along), have taken part in a previous study related to iron absorption, and be in good health as assessed by doctors. The study will involve around 250 women who will receive standard prenatal care, including iron and folate supplements. They will have blood samples taken at different times during their pregnancy and after childbirth. Some women will also receive special iron tracers to see how well their bodies absorb iron. Overall, this research aims to help improve iron intake recommendations for pregnant and breastfeeding women in the region.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Providing consent to the informed consent form
• • Participation in a previous stable isotope absorption study and having received an oral dose of 15 mg 57Fe at least 12 months prior to the date of inclusion in the study
• • Positive pregnancy test and gestational age \<10 weeks based on history of last menstrual period
• • Permanent residence in the study area, and not expected to leave the study site for more than 4 weeks over the following 16 months
• • Assessment of good health by professional staff at Msambweni Hospital
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pre-pregnancy body mass index \>30 kg/m2
• • Blood transfusion or intravenous iron treatment within 4 months of study start
• • Major chronic infectious disease (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV+, hepatitis)
• • Major chronic non-infectious disease (e.g., Type 1 or 2 diabetes, cancer)