Impact of maternal, antenatal and birth-associated factors on iron stores at birth: data from a prospective maternal–infant birth cohort
Loading...
Files
Accepted version
Date
2016-12-21
Authors
McCarthy, Elaine K.
Kenny, Louise C.
Hourihane, Jonathan O'B.
Irvine, Alan D.
Murray, Deirdre M.
Kiely, Mairead E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Nature
Published Version
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Low serum ferritin concentrations at birth, which reflect neonatal iron stores, track through to early childhood and have been associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes. We aimed to identify maternal, antenatal and birth-associated factors that influence iron stores at birth in a prospective maternal–infant birth cohort. Subjects/Methods: In a population-based, longitudinal, birth cohort in Ireland, 413 maternal–infant dyads with prospectively collected lifestyle and clinical data from 15 weeks’ gestation had umbilical cord serum ferritin concentrations measured. Regression models were developed to identify independent factors associated with cord ferritin concentrations. Results: Median (IQR) cord ferritin concentrations were 185.7 (131.7, 385.5) μg/l, and 8% (n=33) of infants had low iron stores (ferritin <76 μg/l) at birth. Maternal obesity (BMI 30 kg/m2) at 15 weeks’ gestation (adj. estimate (95% confidence interval (CI)): −66.4 (−106.9, −25.9) μg/l, P<0.0001) and delivery by caesarean section (−38.8 (−70.2, −7.4) μg/l, P=0.016) were inversely associated with cord ferritin concentrations. In addition, maternal smoking at 15 weeks’ gestation (adj. odds ratio (95% CI): 2.9 (1.2, 7), P=0.020) and being born small-for-gestational age (3.4 (1.3, 8.9), P=0.012) were associated with an increased risk of low iron stores (ferritin <76 μg/l) at birth. Conclusions: We have identified a number of potentially modifiable lifestyle factors that influence iron stores at birth, with the important role of overall maternal health and lifestyle during pregnancy highlighted. Public health policies targeting women of child-bearing age to improve nutrition and health outcomes should be prioritised for the health of the next generation.
Description
Keywords
Iron stores , Birth cohort , Neonate , Pregnancy , Caesarean section , Serum ferritin
Citation
McCarthy, E. K., Kenny, L. C., Hourihane, J. O. B., Irvine, A. D., Murray, D. M. and Kiely, M. E. (2016) 'Impact of maternal, antenatal and birth-associated factors on iron stores at birth: data from a prospective maternal–infant birth cohort', European Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 71, pp. 782-787. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2016.255
Link to publisher’s version
Copyright
© 2016 The Authors. This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2016.255