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Randomized control trial comparing effectiveness of weekly versus daily antenatal oral iron supplementation in preventing anemia during pregnancy
Author(s) -
Goonewardene Indra Malik R.,
Senadheera Diluk I.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1447-0756
pISSN - 1341-8076
DOI - 10.1111/jog.13546
Subject(s) - medicine , anemia , regimen , pregnancy , hematocrit , vitamin b12 , randomized controlled trial , hemoglobin , iron deficiency , gestation , iron deficiency anemia , ferritin , obstetrics , genetics , biology
Abstract Aim This study was conducted to determine whether weekly antenatal oral iron and folate supplementation is an effective alternative to a daily regimen in non‐anemic pregnant women to prevent anemia and iron deficiency during the third trimester. Methods From December 2014 to April 2015, non‐anemic pregnant women ( n = 292) who presented to the Academic Obstetric Unit, Teaching Hospital Mahamodera Galle, Sri Lanka, at 14–22 weeks gestation and who had been treated with mebendazole 100 mg twice daily for three days were randomly allocated to receive 120 mg elemental iron, 3 mg folic acid and 100 mg vitamin C weekly ( n = 149) or 60 mg elemental iron, 1 mg folic acid and 100 mg vitamin C daily ( n = 143). Side effects were assessed at four weekly intervals and hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit and serum ferritin (SF) were measured at 32–36 weeks gestation. Results Only 106 participants in each group completed the study. There were no significant differences between the groups in mean duration of supplementation; presupplementation and post‐supplementation mean Hb, hematocrit or SF levels; risk of developing anemia, ID or high Hb levels by an intension to treat analysis; and in those who completed the trial. Significantly greater side effects occurred in the daily compared to the weekly supplementation group. Conclusion In non‐anemic pregnant women, a weekly regimen is an effective alternative to a daily regimen for antenatal oral iron and folate supplementation for preventing anemia and iron deficiency during the third trimester.