Iron Homeostasis and Metabolism During Pregnancy: Exploring Innovative Drug Delivery Approaches for Treating Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnant Women

Abstract

Pregnant women and small children are more prone to anemia. Even among the most affluent and educated portions of society, an estimated 50% of pregnant women, adolescent girls, and youngsters are anemic. This review recapitulates previous findings exploring advancements in anemia management in pregnant women. The published articles were searched using Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Clinical Trials. Primary causes of anemia are an inadequate supply of dietary iron, deficiency of folate due to the lack of vegetable consumption, and thus a lack of vitamin B12, and a lack of dietary iron bioavailability from phytate and fiber-rich diets. When hemoglobin falls below 5 g/dL, the maternal mortality rate multiplies 8–10 times. Early detection and treatment of anemia during pregnancy may minimize maternal mortality, substantially decrease childhood and adolescent nutritional deficiency, and improve adult height. Maternal anemia decreases intrauterine growth, which increases the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight in babies. Intrauterine growth retardation coupled with a low birth weight leads to an inadequate growth trajectory throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Nano-delivery systems stand out as a promising avenue, utilizing nanotechnology to enhance the absorption of iron. These systems offer targeted delivery of iron supplements, overcoming challenges associated with conventional formulations. The exploration of nanotechnology in iron deficiency anemia treatment marks a significant stride toward developing advanced and tailored solutions for improving iron supplementation.