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Intermittent oral iron supplementation during pregnancy
M Goonewardene1, C Liyanage, R Fernando
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle. malikg@eureka.lk
The Ceylon Medical Journal
|August 8, 2002
Summary
Weekly or thrice-weekly iron supplements are not effective for preventing iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women. Daily supplementation is more effective in preventing IDA during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common complication in pregnancy.
- Previous suggestions indicated weekly iron supplements might be as effective as daily ones for preventing IDA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of weekly, thrice-weekly, and daily oral iron supplementation in preventing IDA during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 92 pregnant women (14-24 weeks gestation).
- Participants received 100 mg of elemental iron weekly, thrice weekly, or daily.
- Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and hematocrit levels were assessed before and after 12-20 weeks of supplementation.
Main Results:
- The risk of developing anemia was significantly higher in the weekly and thrice-weekly iron supplement groups.
- The risk of iron deficiency was also significantly higher in the weekly and thrice-weekly groups compared to daily supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent prophylactic oral iron supplementation is not effective in preventing iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women.
- Daily iron supplementation is recommended for effective prevention of IDA during pregnancy.
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