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

## TL;DR

This study found that many postpartum women in northern Taiwan have iron and vitamin D deficiencies, and that supplements help improve their nutritional status.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in postpartum women and the effectiveness of supplementation.

## Key findings

- 5.0% of postpartum women had iron deficiency and 6.7% had iron deficiency anemia.
- 75% of women exhibited vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.
- Supplement users had significantly lower rates of iron and vitamin D deficiencies.

## Abstract

Postpartum women are at increased risk of iron and vitamin D deficiencies due to physiological demands, blood loss during delivery, and limited sun exposure during the confinement period. The aimed of this study was to assess the iron and vitamin D nutritional status of women at six weeks postpartum in northern Taiwan and to examine its associations with dietary intake and nutritional supplement use.

This cross-sectional study included 120 women at six weeks postpartum in northern Taiwan. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recall, and supplement use was recorded. Hematological and biochemical parameters, including hemoglobin, ferritin, and serum 25(OH)D3, were measured.

The prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia was 5.0% and 6.7%, respectively, while 75% of women exhibited vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Supplement users had a significantly lower prevalence of iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency compared with non-users.

Our findings suggest that dietary intake alone is insufficient to meet postpartum micronutrient requirements and that supplementation plays a critical role in maintaining adequate nutritional status. These results highlight the need for targeted nutritional strategies and updated dietary recommendations to support maternal recovery and health after childbirth.