TOP 10 Tips - Iron deficiency during pregnancy may increase risk for autism spectrum disorder

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Iron deficiency can affect fetal brain development: Foods to eat during pregnancy

Iron deficiency during pregnancy may increase risk for autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disability in their children.

Iron deficiency during pregnancy can have significant and irreversible effects on a child’s brain development. This can lead to poor learning and school performance later in life. Iron plays a crucial role in organ development, particularly the brain. According to the WHO, iron deficiency affects approximately 20% of the population worldwide. It is especially common in women during the reproductive age and in young children. About 52% of pregnant women is estimated to suffer from iron deficiency, which is the main cause of anaemia. Since iron plays important functions such as oxygen transport, DNA synthesis and muscle metabolism, its deficiency may have negative consequences for both mother and fetus. Iron deficiency during pregnancy may adversely affect the developing fetal brain, as well as lead to reduced birth weight and reduced gestation periods. One study suggested that children born to mothers with anemia during pregnancy may have worse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Anemia in mother was associated with increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intellectual disability (ID) in their children. ASD, ADHD, and ID were found more commonly among children born to mothers with anemia within the first 30 weeks of pregnancy compared with mothers diagnosed with anemia later in pregnancy. Besides taking prenatal multivitamins, adding iron-rich foods in your pregnancy diet can help prevent or combat anemia. Here are 5 iron-rich foods pregnant women should eat -

Chicken: An 8-ounce serving of chicken contains 1.5 mg of iron. But make sure that it’s cooked at appropriate temperature which 165°F (73.8°C) to **** dangerous bacteria, like Listeria.

Salmon: Apart from high heme iron content, salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that may contribute to a healthy pregnancy.

Beans and lentils: In addition to iron, bean and lentils are packed with fiber and protein. A cup of prepared lentils or white kidney beans can give you about 6.6 mg of iron.

Spinach and kale: Spinach and kale are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and iron. The best thing about these greens is that they are very versatile. You can add them in your salad, smoothie, or just sauté some in a saucepan.

Broccoli: This cruciferous veggie contains a lot of nutrients that are beneficial in pregnancy. You will get over 1 mg iron per cup. In addition, broccoli contains a hefty amount of vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption.