Iron-deficiency anemia is known as one of the main nutritional deficiencies around the world and its occurrence can be observed in many populations. Some groups still present a high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia, compromising many body functions. Pregnant women are among the groups at risk given their vulnerability to deficiencies and the significant increase in their requirements, which are not accompanied by a sufficiently higher iron intake or absorption. This paper analyzes data from articles published in the last 40 years in English, Spanish or Portuguese found in the Lilacs and Medline databases about the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Every paper found reports a high prevalence of anemia in pregnant women, characterizing this situation as a public health problem in Brazil, despite current Brazilian policies to fight iron deficiency.
Iron-deficiency anemia; Brazil; Pregnant woman; Prevalence
