What maternal supplement is crucial to prevent anemia during pregnancy?

What maternal supplement is crucial to prevent anemia during pregnancy?

• A. Calcium
• B. Folic acid
• C. Iron
• D. Vitamin D

Answer: (C)

Iron is a crucial maternal supplement during pregnancy primarily because it plays a vital role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to both the mother and the developing fetus. During pregnancy, there is an increased demand for iron due to the expansion of maternal blood volume and the needs of the growing fetus and placenta. Insufficient iron intake can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which may result in fatigue, weakness, and complications such as preterm delivery and low birth weight. While calcium supports fetal bone development and vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, they are not directly associated with the prevention of anemia. Folic acid is essential for the prevention of neural tube defects and for DNA synthesis, but it does not address anemia specifically. Therefore, iron stands out as the crucial supplement for preventing anemia during pregnancy, making it the best choice in this context.

Iron is a crucial maternal supplement during pregnancy primarily because it plays a vital role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to both the mother and the developing fetus. During pregnancy, there is an increased demand for iron due to the expansion of maternal blood volume and the needs of the growing fetus and placenta. Insufficient iron intake can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which may result in fatigue, weakness, and complications such as preterm delivery and low birth weight.

While calcium supports fetal bone development and vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, they are not directly associated with the prevention of anemia. Folic acid is essential for the prevention of neural tube defects and for DNA synthesis, but it does not address anemia specifically. Therefore, iron stands out as the crucial supplement for preventing anemia during pregnancy, making it the best choice in this context.