Impact of twice weekly versus daily iron supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and fetal haematological indices: a randomized clinical trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the efficiency and tolerability of twice weekly versus daily iron supplementation during pregnancy.
Results Summary
The study found no significant differences in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels between the two groups, but ferritin concentrations were lower in the twice weekly group at delivery. The twice weekly group had fewer side effects (nausea, vomiting, constipation), while the daily group had higher birth weight and length.
Population
370 pregnant women
Effective Dosage
Daily or twice weekly iron supplementation (specific dosage not mentioned)
Duration
Duration of pregnancy (specific length not mentioned)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
twice weekly iron supplementation | no change | initial and delivery haemoglobin and haematocrit levels | pregnant women | no significant differences | no significant differences | #1 |
twice weekly iron supplementation | decrease | ferritin concentrations at delivery | pregnant women | - | significantly lower | #2 |
twice weekly iron supplementation | no change | hypoferritinaemia (ferritin < 15 microg/L) | pregnant women | - | not observed | #3 |
twice weekly iron supplementation | decrease | frequency of nausea, vomiting and constipation | pregnant women | - | significantly lower | #4 |
daily iron supplementation | increase | birth weight and length | pregnant women | - | significantly higher | #5 |
A randomized clinical trial examined the efficiency and tolerability of twice weekly versus daily iron supplementation during pregnancy. A total of 370 pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive either daily or twice weekly iron supplementation during pregnancy. There were no significant differences in initial and delivery haemoglobin and haematocrit levels between the 2 groups. Ferritin concentrations were significantly lower in the twice weekly group at delivery, but hypoferritinaemia (ferritin < 15 microg/L) was not observed in either group. The frequency of nausea, vomiting and constipation were significantly lower in the twice weekly group. Birth weight and length were significantly higher in the daily supplemented group. In non-anaemic mothers, a smaller dose of iron may be sufficient and also might prevent the complications of iron excess.