Final answer:
Iron is vital for hemoglobin production and is particularly important for pregnant women due to increased blood volume and the needs of the developing fetus. Iron supplements and iron-fortified foods help prevent anemia, ensuring better pregnancy outcomes and the health of the mother and baby.
Step-by-step explanation:
Iron is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in the production of hemoglobin, a protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in a woman's body increases significantly to support the growing fetus, leading to a greater demand for iron to maintain both the mother's and the baby's health.
Pregnant women are at a higher risk for iron-deficiency anemia due to increased iron demands during pregnancy for fetal development and the expansion of the mother's red blood cell mass. This is why pregnant women need a higher iron intake; in the United States alone, it is recommended that they consume 27 mg of iron daily. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to poor pregnancy outcomes such as premature birth, low birth weight, and impaired cognitive and physical development in the infant.
It's also noteworthy that iron supplementation during pregnancy can prevent anemia by replenishing the body's stores, considering women generally have lower iron stores than men. Additionally, combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C enhances absorption, optimizing the benefits of dietary iron intake for pregnant women. Hence, taking iron supplements or consuming iron-fortified foods is critical during pregnancy.