Doctors traditionally prescribe supplemental iron to pregnant women. That might not be such a good idea, new research suggests. A study found that women with highest iron levels in the second trimester of pregnancy had over two times the risk of developing gestational diabetes compared to women with the lowest iron levels.
Key Takeaways:
- The new research found that women with the highest iron levels during the second trimester of pregnancy had more than twice the risk of developing gestational diabetes, compared with women with the lowest iron levels.
- “Our study findings raise potential concerns about the recommendation of routine iron supplementation among pregnant women who already have sufficient iron,” said study author Shristi Rawal
- But, the study only showed an association between iron levels and gestational diabetes; the research wasn’t designed to prove a cause-and-effect relationship.
“The new research found that women with the highest iron levels during the second trimester of pregnancy had more than twice the risk of developing gestational diabetes, compared with women with the lowest iron levels.”
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=199731