Differential effects of prophylactic iron supplementation on physiological gestational anemia and post-IDA gestational anemia: a study based on a rat model

Post-IDA gestation further exacerbates iron deficiency anemia. Prophylactic iron supplementation can significantly improve physiological iron deficiency and iron metabolism during pregnancy but cannot improve iron deficiency anemia. In contrast, iron supplementation can significantly improve iron deficiency anemia in post-IDA gestation. To prevent or treat pregnancy complicated by IDA, iron supplementation is recommended either before the onset of IDA or after pregnancy.