Iron is believed to be essential for the baby’s brain development. Iron deficiency during pregnancy subtly alters infant brain development, according to the results of a study published in the medical journal Pediatric Research . However, according to figures from the World Health Organization (WHO), one in two women lack iron.
Researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and Columbia University (United States) observed by MRI the organization of brain tissue in 40 newborns, 20 days after birth. The findings of their study made it possible to associate iron intake during the pregnancy to differences in cortical gray matter and, in the large axonal pathways of the white matter of the brain.
In fact, maternal iron intake is inversely linked with fractional anisotropy (FA), which measures the organization of tissues in the brain. Researchers have noticed that a higher intake of dietary iron is associated with greater complexity and therefore greater maturity of cortical gray matter. Conversely, low iron intake is associated with less complexity and more immaturity of developing gray matter.
Stock up on iron
Our body is unable to synthesize iron. It is therefore necessary to bring it to him by what we put on his plate. To fill up with iron, you are spoiled for choice because there are several foods rich in iron. The champions in all categories are black pudding and red meat. Put it on the menu at least twice a week. On the other hand, even if they are good sources of iron, it is better to avoid organ meats and seafood because of the infectious risks (see our article on foods to avoid during pregnancy). To achieve the right proportions, also add dried fruits and dark green vegetables to your diet. Avoid drinking tea during your meals: its tannins prevent the body from absorbing iron properly from food. Unlike the vitamin C, which makes the iron more assimilable.
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