Iron status, serum folate and B12 values in pregnancy and postpartum: report from a study in Jordan.

A high prevalence of anemia has been reported in Jordan affecting women of childbearing age and infants/preschool children. This paper considers maternal iron folate and B12 status with possible implications for both maternal and infant health. A case-control study of infants born to anemic (Hb 35 mcg/dL) affected 72% of infants with significantly higher incidence in those born to anemic mothers. Ambiguous hematology in 11% of infants may have reflected other nutritional deficiencies including vitamin B12 where mothers had depleted values. Iron folate and B12 status should be monitored during pregnancy/lactation in developing countries where nutritional deprivation is more prevalent and women of childbearing age often have a high fertility rate and inadequate interpregnancy interval to replenish body stores. Infant health may also be at risk through a compromised endowment of these micronutrients at birth. (authors)