Getting enough iron is vitally important for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Recent findings published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada indicate that a maternal iron deficiency is associated with greater risk of depression.
The study analysed the medical records of 142 pregnant women between the ages of 18 to 25, who visited the Women’s Health Concerns Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton, Ontario between 2009 and 2016.
Blood ferritin levels during the second half of their pregnancy were measured and categorised as “iron deficient” or “iron sufficient” (having ferritin levels lower than 12 µg/L).
After completing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire, to screen for symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy…researchers were then able to determine how likely the women were to develop depression. They also used their EPDS scores to determine how likely the women were to develop depression during pregnancy. The data was then compared to their iron status and the following was found:
EPDS scores were significantly higher in the women with iron deficiency (10.14) than in the women who were iron-sufficient (7.87).
The risk of developing depression during pregnancy is twice as high in iron-deficient women compared with the iron-sufficient women.
While researchers claim the relationship between iron status and risk of pregnancy-related depression is still unclear; their findings suggest that iron plays an essential role in women’s mental and emotional health.
Iron deficiency has also been associated with low birth weights and increased autism risk. Good food sources to maintain your iron status include meat, poultry, fish, legumes and leafy greens,
To ensure maximum support in iron levels, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends pregnant women take an iron supplement containing 30 to 60mg of elemental iron every day.
Recommended Examples
 Nelsons Spatone 100% Natural Iron Supplement – Spatone is a 100% natural liquid iron supplement that has been scientifically shown to be a highly absorbable source of iron that is extra gentle on the stomach whilst helping to prevent iron deficiency during pregnancy. Available from Good Health Naturally. |
 Liposomal Vitamin C -Liposomal Vitamin C contains 1,000 mg of high-quality liposomal vitamin C, plus 400 mg PC per serving. Vitamin C can help to increase the absorption of iron into the bloodstream. Available from Good Health Naturally. |
Hello. A couple of years ago you helped me considerably when I had shingles by advising me to take 15×80,000iu SerraEnzyme, 10,000iu Vitamin D, L-Glutamine and something else?All my symptoms disappeared after 3 weeks.
I have a friend, Judy aged 66 with shingles but on face, in eye and head who is in severe pain. She has started taking the above. Is there anything else you could suggest? She is on strong painkillers. unfortunately, she is waiting for NBN connection (Australia) as having just moved and no access to internet. I hope you can assist her. She does have quite a high resistance to pain.
Hello Mary, we would recommend B4 Health Spray for the nerves, Olive Leaf extract or Oil of Oregano may also help as an anti-viral. Kind Regards, Anna