Browsing by Author "Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu1 and Salma Abdi Mahmoud"

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    The Role of Folic Acid in Preventing Anemia among Pregnant Women:
    (Lifeline Medicine, 2025) Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu1 and Salma Abdi Mahmoud
    Anemia during pregnancy is a common and significant global health issue, with folate deficiency being one of the major causes. Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, plays a crucial role in preventing megaloblastic anemia by supporting red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and fetal development. This review explores the role of folic acid supplementation in preventing anemia during pregnancy, highlighting its mechanisms, benefits, and current recommendations. Additionally, the review examines the challenges faced in ensuring adequate folic acid intake, particularly in low-resource settings, and the importance of public health strategies to address these gaps. Folic acid is essential for red blood cell formation and the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs), a major concern in fetal development. Adequate intake of folic acid, particularly during early pregnancy, significantly reduces the risk of both anemia and NTDs, which can lead to serious maternal and fetal health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine supplementation of 400 micrograms of folic acid daily for all pregnant women, with higher doses suggested for those at greater risk of deficiency. Public health strategies, such as folic acid fortification of staple foods, have proven effective in improving folate status and reducing the incidence of anemia and NTDs.
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    The Role of Iron Supplementation in Preventing Anemia during Pregnancy:
    (Lifeline Medicine. V, 2025) Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu1 and Salma Abdi Mahmoud
    Anemia during pregnancy is a significant public health challenge, affecting maternal and fetal health outcomes globally. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), the most prevalent form, results from the increased iron demands of pregnancy, often unmet by dietary intake alone. This condition is associated with adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, maternal fatigue, and impaired fetal development. Preventing anemia through iron supplementation has emerged as an effective strategy, playing a vital role in enhancing maternal well-being and promoting healthy pregnancy outcomes. Iron supplementation has been shown to improve hemoglobin levels, reduce the prevalence of anemia, and mitigate risks associated with iron deficiency during pregnancy. By addressing the physiological demands for increased blood volume and fetal iron requirements, supplementation safeguards against complications like preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Despite its proven benefits, adherence to supplementation regimens can be hindered by gastrointestinal side effects and challenges in accessing affordable and appropriate iron formulations in resource-limited settings.