A retrospective study of supplemental iron intake in singleton pregnancy women with risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus

This study investigated the effect of supplemental iron intake (SII) in early singleton pregnancy women with the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among Chinese population. This study included 259 singleton pregnancy participants. Of those, 135 women underwent SII and were assigned to an intervention group, while 124 participants received no SII and were assigned to a control group. The outcome measurements consisted of the number of patients with GDM development, the levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin, and the outcomes of infant at delivery. No significant difference in the number of patients with GDM development was found between 2 groups at delivery. However, when compared with control group, subjects in the intervention group showed greater efficacy in delivery mode choice of vaginal delivery (P = .04), and cesarean section (P = .01), as well as the birthweight of infants (P < .01). Moreover, Hb and ferritin levels were also significantly higher in the intervention group than those in the control group (P < .01). The results of this retrospective study showed that SII may not increase risk of developing GDM in singleton pregnancy women; and also may benefit both pregnancy women and infants among Chinese population.