This document provides the most recent WHO guidelines for use of iron supplementation in postpartum women. The guidelines review evidence on safety and effectiveness to support policy-makers, economists, and technical and program staff in making informed decisions on appropriate nutrition actions in-line with the Sustainable Development Goals. The evidence suggests that in settings where gestational anemia is 20% or higher, oral iron supplementation can be given to postpartum women for 6-12 weeks following delivery, to reduce the risk of anemia. The guidelines specify that high doses of folate should be avoided in malaria endemic areas using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, to not interfere with the efficacy of this antimalarial drug.
WHO, 2016