A review emphasized the critical role of iron in maternal-fetal health, particularly in supporting fetal brain development and long-term function. Iron is essential for cellular processes and oxygen delivery, which becomes especially crucial during pregnancy to meet increased demands. Maternal iron deficiency, common during pregnancy due to heightened requirements, can significantly impact fetal neurodevelopment, potentially leading to lasting neurocognitive and mental health issues in offspring. Maintaining iron sufficiency during pregnancy is crucial to mitigate adverse outcomes, but accurately diagnosing iron status poses challenges, necessitating the use of specific biomarkers like serum ferritin and % total iron binding capacity saturation for precise assessment.

The review also stresses the importance of preconceptional and periconceptional nutrition in shaping offspring neurodevelopment and advocates for policies promoting maternal nutritional health before and during pregnancy. Researchers note that taking a life-cycle approach to nutrition and focusing on prenatal and preconceptional care alongside postnatal nutrition, not only address immediate health concerns but also contribute to long-term societal welfare by fostering healthier populations with improved neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Reference: Georgieff MK. Iron deficiency in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Oct;223(4):516-524. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.03.006. Epub 2020 Mar 14. PMID: 32184147; PMCID: PMC7492370.