Iron deficiency in pregnancy and the postpartum period: clinical evidence on the role of Sucrosomial® Iron

Iron deficiency is a very common condition among women of reproductive age and can become particularly relevant during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Increased iron requirements, combined with physiological blood loss, may expose many women to the risk of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, with potential consequences for physical well-being, quality of life, and recovery following childbirth.

In this context, the availability of effective and well-tolerated strategies that can be used throughout the entire pregnancy–postpartum continuum represents an important clinical need, as we discussed in an interview with Dr. Giuseppe Gullo, gynecologist and representative for the P.M.A. Center at the AOOR Villa Sofia Cervello in Palermo.

Clinical evidence in the postpartum period: the study published in BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth

A multicenter observational study published in 2023 in the international journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth evaluated the efficacy of Sucrosomial® iron in the recovery from mild to moderate iron deficiency anemia during the postpartum period.

The study, entitled “Sucrosomial® iron effectiveness in recovering from mild and moderate iron deficiency anemia in the postpartum period”, was conducted by Dr. Edu Antoine and involved 57 women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia within the first hours after delivery.

Study Design

Participants were treated according to the severity of anemia:

• Mild anemia (Hb 9–11 g/dL): 30 mg/day of Sucrosomial® iron for 60 days
• Moderate anemia (Hb 7–9 g/dL): 60 mg/day for the first 10 days, followed by 30 mg/day for the remaining 50 days

The primary objective was to assess the increase in hemoglobin levels, while secondary endpoints included symptom resolution and treatment tolerability.

In practical terms, the study evaluated whether Sucrosomial® iron could support recovery from postpartum anemia in a rapid and well-tolerated manner.

Key Findings

• Mean hemoglobin increase: +3.6 g/dL after 60 days
• Resolution of anemia: 81% of women were no longer anemic at the end of follow-up
• Early response: clinical improvement observed within the first 10 days
• Excellent tolerability: no treatment discontinuations due to gastrointestinal adverse events

In summary, the majority of participants recovered adequate iron levels without clinically relevant side effects.

More recent evidence in pregnancy: SABM 2024 Poster

Additional insights come from a prospective observational study presented as a poster at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management (SABM) held in Phoenix, USA.

The study, entitled “Efficacy of Sideral® Folic supplementation in pregnancy: a feasibility study”, coordinated by Dr. T. Sena and colleagues, evaluated the effect of daily supplementation with Sucrosomial® iron (SiderAL® Folico) in pregnant women who were non-anemic or mildly anemic at the beginning of gestation.

Study design and main outcomes

• Daily supplementation from the beginning of pregnancy until delivery
• Hemoglobin levels remained stable throughout the entire gestational period
• Prevention of hemoglobin decline and iron deficiency anemia
• Limited peripartum hemoglobin loss (mean −0.4 g/dL)
• No need for intravenous iron therapy or blood transfusions
• Progressive improvement in maternal well-being, including fatigue, mood, sleep quality, and restless legs syndrome

In practical terms, supplementation helped women maintain adequate iron status and overall well-being throughout pregnancy. However, as the findings derive from a preliminary study presented as a conference poster, they should be interpreted as descriptive and exploratory rather than definitive.

A continuous approach: from pregnancy to the postpartum period

When considered together, these two studies — despite differences in design and level of evidence — suggest a coherent approach to the management of iron deficiency:

• During pregnancy, Sucrosomial® iron may contribute to maintaining hemoglobin levels and supporting maternal well-being.
• During the postpartum period, it has been associated with rapid recovery from anemia, including moderate cases, with a favorable tolerability profile.

In practical terms, a continuous approach to iron management may help women face pregnancy and the postpartum period with improved energy levels and fewer complications.

It is important to note that, although the available studies are observational or preliminary, they provide useful insights into the potential role of this formulation in the management of iron deficiency within the specific context of pregnancy.

In summary…

Evidence from the study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth and from the SABM 2024 poster suggests that Sucrosomial® iron may be considered an effective and well-tolerated option for the prevention and management of iron deficiency during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Read the full study in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
View the SABM 2024 poster

Disclaimer

This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace the clinical judgment of healthcare professionals. Therapeutic decisions should be based on individual patient assessment and current clinical guidelines.

FAQ – Sucrosomial® Iron, pregnancy, and postpartum

Why is iron deficiency common during pregnancy and after delivery?
Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy, and postpartum blood loss further contributes to the risk of iron deficiency.

Is Sucrosomial® iron suitable for moderate anemia?
According to the clinical study, yes. The treatment demonstrated effective recovery of hemoglobin levels even in moderate cases.

Can it be used throughout pregnancy?
Data presented at the SABM congress suggest that daily supplementation may help maintain stable hemoglobin levels throughout gestation.

Is it well tolerated at the gastrointestinal level?
Yes. In the analyzed studies, no gastrointestinal adverse events requiring treatment discontinuation were reported.