Effects of iron and ascorbic acid supplementation on hemoglobin level and work efficiency of anemic women

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between anemia, supplementation with iron and vitamin C, and productivity. Using the cyanmethemoglobin method, 671 female garment factory workers were examined. On the basis of the World Health Organization (WHO) standard, 98 were found to be mildly or moderately/severely anemic. An equal number was randomly chosen from the nonanemic workers. The subjects were then randomly assigned to either the placebo group or the group receiving 525 mg of ferrous sulfate (105 mg elemental iron) and 500 mg ascorbic acid. Only 118 of the 196 subjects completed the three-month study. The mean hemoglobin (Hb) and work output, as indicated by efficiency rating (ER), of the placebo group did not change significantly. Mildly anemic workers with supplements showed a significant improvement in mean Hb, but not in mean ER. The moderately/severely anemic group receiving supplements had significant increases in both Hb and ER.