PD188 - IRON INTAKE AND STATUS IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN LATVIA

PD188

IRON INTAKE AND STATUS IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN LATVIA

J. Suhorukova^1,*, K. Nikolajeva^1,2, L. Meija^1,3

¹Dietology and nutrition centre, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, ²Riga Stradiņš University, Doctoral Department, Faculty of Medicine, ³Riga Stradiņš University, Department of Rehabilitation, Riga, Latvia

Rationale: According to the UK guidelines, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy was defined using hemoglobin thresholds of <110 g/L in the first trimester and <105 g/L in the second and third trimesters. IDA during pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes, including maternal illness, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and low birth weight. Adequate maternal nutrition and iron intake are essential to support the health of both mother and child. This study aimed to investigate iron intake and status in pregnant women in Latvia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study within the framework of the Latvian Council of Science-funded project “Excess weight, dietary habits, and vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid status in pregnancy”, project No. Izp-2019/1-0335 included 802 pregnant (27–40 weeks) and early postpartum women (up to 7 days). Data were collected via a food frequency questionnaire and health-demographic survey. Hemoglobin and ferritin levels were obtained from maternal medical records.

Results: The mean daily iron intake was 57.0 ± 44.8 mg. The main source of iron was medications (31.7 ± 45.5 mg), while dietary supplements contributed 11.8 ± 13.5 mg per day. Dietary iron primarily came from meat (1.82 ± 1.36 mg), vegetables (1.78 ± 1.25 mg), and fruits (1.21 ± 0.87 mg). In the third trimester, iron deficiency was observed in highest level of 86.6% (n = 634) of participants, and IDA in 9.45% (n = 69). Statistically significant correlations were found between hemoglobin levels and pregnancy complications across all three trimesters (p < 0.01). Gestational age showed a weak negative correlation with hemoglobin in all trimesters (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Iron deficiency is common in Latvian pregnant women across all trimesters. Early and focused management is recommended. Structured dietary education and intensified medical follow-up are essential during pregnancy.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared