Nutritional status of iron and vitamin D in postpartum women in Taiwan

This study investigates the nutritional status of iron and vitamin D in postpartum women and its association with dietary intake. The study period was from January 2016 to September 2017, during which dietary data were collected from women six weeks postpartum, and biochemical indicators of blood iron and vitamin D levels were measured. The results showed that among 120 participants, the average age was 32.4 years. Regarding iron status, 4.2% were iron deficient, and 6.7% had anemia. The iron intake of anemic women was only 46.5% of that of the normal group. The prevalence of iron deficiency was significantly lower in those who took iron supplements postpartum (1.7%) compared to those who did not (11.7%). Regarding vitamin D status, 24% of the participants had sufficient vitamin D levels, while 37.5% were insufficient, and 38.5% were deficient, indicating a generally poor nutritional status. Vitamin D intake was positively correlated with serum 25(OH)D concentration. Women who took vitamin D supplements postpartum had a significantly higher rate of sufficient vitamin D levels compared to those who did not (32.8% vs. 14.3%). This study highlights the widespread issue of iron and vitamin D deficiency in postpartum women and suggests that nutritional supplements can effectively improve the nutritional status of iron and vitamin D.