Does iron-deficient erythropoiesis in pregnancy influence fetal iron supply?

Background: It was investigated whether the iron status in newborns is negatively influenced by iron-deficient erythropoiesis of the mother during pregnancy.

Methods: The iron status is characterized by hemoglobin, erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin and serum ferritin values. Iron-deficient erythropoiesis of the mother is characterized by erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin values. Measurement of erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin was performed in 103 non-anemic females within 24 hours after delivery. The iron status of their newborns was measured in cord blood.

Results: Erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin concentrations were normal in 62% and elevated in 38% of the females, hence 39 women had iron-deficient erythropoiesis. There were no significant differences in mean values of the iron status parameters between neonates born to females with iron-deficient erythropoiesis and neonates born to females not having iron-deficient erythropoiesis. No correlation was found between maternal erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin values and any of the neonatal parameters.

Conclusion: It is concluded that fetal iron supply is not negatively influenced by iron-deficient erythropoiesis in the mother.