We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Influence of iron status on risk of maternal or neonatal infection and on neonatal mortality with an emphasis on developing countries.
- Authors
Brabin, Loretta; Brabin, Bernard J; Gies, Sabine
- Abstract
Infection is a major cause of neonatal death in developing countries. This review investigates whether host iron status affects the risk of maternal and/or neonatal infection, potentially contributing to neonatal death, and summarizes the iron acquisition mechanisms described for pathogens causing stillbirth, preterm birth, and congenital infection. In vitro evidence shows that iron availability influences the severity and chronicity of infections that cause these negative outcomes of pregnancy. In vivo evidence is lacking, as relevant studies of maternal iron supplementation have not assessed the effect of iron status on the risk of maternal and/or neonatal infection. Reducing iron-deficiency anemia among women is beneficial and should improve the iron stores of babies; moreover, there is evidence that iron status in young children predicts the risk of malaria and, possibly, the risk of invasive bacterial diseases. Caution with maternal iron supplementation is indicated in iron-replete women who may be at high risk of exposure to infection, although distinguishing between iron-replete and iron-deficient women is currently difficult in developing countries, where a point-of-care test is needed. Further research is indicated to investigate the risk of infection relative to iron status in mothers and babies in order to avoid iron intervention strategies that may result in detrimental birth outcomes in some groups of women.
- Subjects
BACTERIAL disease risk factors; INFECTION risk factors; IRON metabolism; RISK of malaria; DEFICIENCY disease prevention; PERINATAL death; CHILDREN'S health; DIETARY supplements; FEMALE reproductive organ diseases; GRAM-negative bacteria; GRAM-positive bacteria; HEMOGLOBINS; INFANTS; NEONATAL diseases; PREMATURE infants; IRON; IRON deficiency anemia; TRICHOMONAS vaginalis; EVALUATION of medical care; MOTHERS; NUTRITIONAL requirements; PREGNANT women; SEPSIS; URINARY tract infections; WOMEN'S health; NUTRITIONAL status; CHILDREN; PREGNANCY
- Publication
Nutrition Reviews, 2013, Vol 71, Issue 8, p528
- ISSN
0029-6643
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/nure.12049