Main findings
In the study group, 54% of the participants had LID, that is, they had depleted iron stores from the start of pregnancy. Therefore, they would be at high risk for IDA. Notably, one fourth of the participants in the LID group had serum ferritin at a severe iron deficiency level (<15ug/L). They had normal Hb levels, hence their deficiency would not have been identified by routine tests done in the antenatal clinics. They, thus, would not have received appropriate care to prevent anaemia with the progression of pregnancy. Their new-born would also have been at the risk of developing cognitive impairment associated with IDA.