Iron in multivitamins does not change the micro biome in pregnancy

What is it about?

Bacteria are sensitive to dietary iron. Iron in multivitamin supplements, which many women use in pregnancy, could alter the composition of the gut microbiome. We investigated the effects of low and high iron supplements on the composition of the gut microbiome in 200 overweight and obese women in early pregnancy. There were no large differences in bacterial composition between the groups.

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Why is it important?

Many women take multivitamin supplements in pregnancy. The iron content of the multivitamins varies between manufacturers. Iron is an important determinant of growth for bacteria. Iron in multivitamins could change the composition of the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome helps regulate metabolism and inflammation in pregnancy. Changes to the composition could affect the health of mother and baby in pregnancy. Our results indicate that the iron content in pregnancy multivitamins does not significantly change the composition of the microbiota and thereby the pregnancy outcomes for mother and baby.