Mabilis ka bang mapagod? Walang energy to move around?
Kung mababa ang energy at mabilis mapagod baka kulang ka sa iron. Iron is a mineral we need for a healthy body to function on a daily basis. Understandably, pregnancy requires a lot of energy to keep your health on track. Your inner environment asks a lot from your health to be more vigorous than ever. Anemia may occur as part of normal physiology in pregnancy because plasma volume (fluid part of the blood) increases more quickly than the red blood cells. As a result, more iron is needed by the mother to increase her red blood cell mass. Increased consumption of iron-rich foods during pregnancy should be considered among others.
Recent studies show that the most common cause of anemia worldwide is iron deficiency. A number of pregnant women are at high risk of being iron deficient even before pregnancy due to dietary factors, blood loss, and underlying health conditions. And it can be more aggravated during one’s term. But how should we deal with this? Are there ways to prevent or treat anemia especially when you’re expecting a child? Let’s keep reading to find out!
Ano ba ang iron and folic acid supplementation?
Ang iron and folic acid supplementation ay kombinasyong tumutulong labanan ang iron deficiency anemia. It is common for adolescents, adults, and pregnant women to be iron and folic acid deficient. Note that both iron and folic acid are needed in producing red blood cells. Nakakatulong ang pag-inom ng iron and folic acid as supplements in prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
Why take iron supplements during pregnancy?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is recommended to take in daily iron and folic acid or IFA supplementation as part of antenatal care (during pregnancy; before the birth of the baby). This is not only to reduce the risk of low birth weight, but also maternal anemia and iron deficiency. Intake of iron and folic acid in pregnancy helps us protect not only the child but also the welfare of the expecting mother.
WHO also recommended a daily supplementation of 30-60 mg of elemental iron and 400 µg or 0.4 mg of folic acid during the course of pregnancy and is best taken in the earliest possible time after conception. Please note that a higher dosage may be preferred in settings where anemia is prevalent in pregnant women and is considered a severe public health concern.
Say Yes to Love through healthcare for every mom
Definitely a yes! Iron and folic acid supplementation proved a high efficiency rate in improving pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women are at high risk which includes maternal mortality, perinatal (the period immediately before and after birth) mortality, premature birth, and low birth weight.
Folic acid supplementation is recommended for decreasing risks of neural tube defects also known as birth defects of the brain, spine or spinal cord. Intake of folic acid supplementation in the first trimester or before conception is important to decrease such risks. Imagine what more it can do when combined with iron supplementation, too!
Polymax Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose Complex + Folic Acid capsule is an anti-anemic combination molecule used for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, lactation, and in post-surgical conditions. Ferrous salts may also be given as iron supplements but compared with iron (III) hydroxide polymaltose complex, ferrous salts commonly result in gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomachache.
If you’re up for an effective iron supplement but with a superior tolerability profile with less risk for side effects, Polymax is the choice for you. Daily intake of a single capsule will prevent iron deficiency anemia while two capsules of Polymax daily will treat iron deficiency anemia.
This information is not intended to provide medical advice, ask your doctor or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
References:
Paudyal N, Parajuli KR, Garcia Larsen V, Adhikari RK, Devkota MD, Rijal S, Chitekwe S, Torlesse H. A review of the maternal iron and folic acid supplementation programme in Nepal: Achievements and challenges. Matern Child Nutr. (2022) Jan;18 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):e13173. doi: 10.1111/mcn.13173. Epub 2021 Mar 24. PMID: 33763980; PMCID: PMC8770647. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33763980/
Suliburska J, Chmurzynska A, Kocylowski R, Skrypnik K, Radziejewska A, Baralkiewicz D. Effect of Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation on the Level of Essential and Toxic Elements in Young Women. Int J Environ Res Public Health. (2021) Feb 2;18(3):1360. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031360. PMID: 33540920; PMCID: PMC7908542. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7908542/
WHO. Guideline: Daily iron and folic acid supplementation in pregnant women. Geneva, World Health Organization, (2012). https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/77770/9789241501996_eng.pdf
WHO. Antenatal iron supplementation. World Health Organization. Nutrition Landscape Information System (NLiS) https://www.who.int/data/nutrition/nlis/info/antenatal-iron-supplementation#:~:text=Daily%20iron%20and%20folic%20acid,maternal%20anaemia%20and%20iron%20deficiency