Does iron-deficient erythropoiesis in pregnancy influence fetal iron supply?

Background It was investigated whether the iron status in newborns is negatively influenced by iron-deficient erythropoiesis of the mother during pregnancy. Methods. The iron status is characterized by hemoglobin, erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin and serum ferritin values. Iron-deficient erythropoiesis of the mother is characterized by erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin values. Measurement of erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin was performed in 103 non-anemic females within 24 hours after delivery. The iron status of their newborns was measured in cord blood. Results. Erythrocyte zinc protoparphyrin concentrations were normal in 62% and elevated in 38% of the females, hence 39 women had iron-deficient erythropoiesis. There were no significant differences in mean values of the iron status parameters between neonates born to females with iron-deficient erythropoiesis and neonates born to females not having iron-deficient erythropoiesis. No correlation was found between maternal erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin values and any of the neonatal parameters. Conclusion. It is concluded that fetal iron supply is not negatively influenced by iron-deficient erythropoiesis in the mother.