Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
Volume 12, Issue 1 , Pages 54-63, February 2007

Iron in fetal and neonatal nutrition

  • Raghavendra Rao

      Affiliations

    • Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Mayo Medical Code 39, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. Tel.: +1 612 626 0644; fax: +1 612 624 8176.
    • ,
  • Michael K. Georgieff

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Child Development, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
    • Institute of Child Development, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

published online 08 December 2006.

Summary 

Both iron deficiency and iron excess during the fetal and neonatal period bode poorly for developing organ systems. Maternal conditions such as iron deficiency, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and smoking, and preterm birth are the common causes of perinatal iron deficiency. Long-term neurodevelopmental impairments and predisposition to future iron deficiency that are prevalent in infants with perinatal iron deficiency require early diagnosis, optimal treatment and adequate follow-up of infants at risk for the condition. However, due to the potential for oxidant-mediated tissue injury, iron overload should be avoided in the perinatal period, especially in preterm infants.

Keywords: Infant, Iron deficiency, Iron overload, Iron, Newborn

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  • a Iron deficiency is more likely if mother is iron deficient during pregnancy.
  • b The risk of iron deficiency is greater in preterm infants than full-term infants.
  • c Exclusive breastfeeding meets the iron needs of full-term infants during the first 4–6months of life.
  • d Routine iron supplementation of mothers with adequate iron stores is controversial.

PII: S1744-165X(06)00102-8

doi:10.1016/j.siny.2006.10.007

Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
Volume 12, Issue 1 , Pages 54-63, February 2007

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