The Role of Copper Deficiency in Anemia during Pregnancy

Copper deficiency is an emerging but under-recognized cause of anemia during pregnancy, a condition that can lead to adverse outcomes for both the mother and fetus. While iron deficiency anemia has long been the primary focus, copper plays an essential role in hematopoiesis, iron metabolism, and red blood cell maturation, making its deficiency a significant factor in pregnancy-related anemia. This review explores the causes and mechanisms of copper deficiency in pregnancy, emphasizing how it impairs iron utilization and disrupts key cellular processes, contributing to anemia. The causes of copper deficiency in pregnancy are multifactorial, including inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, and increased physiological demand. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable due to the heightened copper requirements for fetal development, placental growth, and enhanced red blood cell production. Additionally, interactions between copper and other micronutrients, such as zinc, can exacerbate deficiency, further compromising maternal health. Keywords: Copper Deficiency, Anemia, Pregnancy, Hematopoiesis, Micronutrient Deficiency