Children of obese mothers ‘have lower iron levels’

A number of studies have indicated that children born to obese mothers tend to have a higher number of health problems than those born in different conditions.

This has been underlined by new research from Tufts University published in the Journal of Perinatology, suggesting that low iron levels are among these issues.

The study enrolled 15 women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 and a control group of 15 women with a BMI of between 20 and 25.

It found that obese women have elevated amounts of the hepcidin hormone, which is key in balancing iron levels, meaning that the efficient transfer of the mineral between mother and child is blocked.

First author Sarbattama Sen, a neonatologist at Tufts Medical Center, said: "During pregnancy, women should try to eat a varied, healthy diet while taking the standard prenatal vitamins recommended by their doctors."

The NHS advises pregnant mothers to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, two portions of fish a week and several portions of low-fat dairy products daily.