Combined iron and zinc supplementation improves haematologic status of pregnant women in Upper West Region of Ghana.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the impact of zinc deficiency on iron status indicators in pregnant women and compare the efficacy of combined iron-zinc supplementation versus iron-only supplementation.
Results Summary
Iron-zinc supplementation was more effective in raising Hb and serum ferritin levels among iron-deficient pregnant women compared to iron-only supplementation. Women with low plasma zinc levels had a higher likelihood of iron deficiency at recruitment.
Population
Pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Upper West Region of Ghana.
Effective Dosage
40 mg elemental iron as ferrous sulphate (control group); 40 mg zinc as zinc gluconate + 40 mg iron as ferrous sulphate (intervention group).
Duration
Not specified in the abstract.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
combined supplement of 40 mg zinc as zinc gluconate and 40 mg iron as ferrous sulphate | increase | Hb | women who were not iron replete (SF ferritin ≤ 20 µg/L) | 0.6g/dl higher | Adjusted mean Hb increase was 0.6g/dl higher | #1 |
combined supplement of 40 mg zinc as zinc gluconate and 40 mg iron as ferrous sulphate | increase | Hb and serum ferritin values | women who were iron deficient in early pregnancy | - | was effective in raising | #2 |
combined supplement of 40 mg zinc as zinc gluconate and 40 mg iron as ferrous sulphate | no change | Hb and serum ferritin values | iron sufficient women | - | was not effective in raising | #3 |
- | increase | iron deficiency | Women who had low plasma zinc levels | 3-fold | were 3-fold increased odds of developing | #4 |
BACKGROUND: Though pregnant women in Ghana routinely receive iron and folic acid supplements, the prevalence of anaemia continues to be as high as 70%. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of zinc deficiency on iron status indicators in pregnant women. DESIGN: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of joint iron and zinc supplementation. SETTING: The study was conducted in the Upper West Region of Ghana, where the prevalence of anaemia is high. PARTICIPANTS: The study population comprised pregnant women who presented themselves for antenatal care (ANC) in the Wa Regional Hospital of the Upper West Region in Ghana. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group received a combined supplement of 40 mg zinc as zinc gluconate and 40 mg iron as ferrous sulphate. The control group received 40 mg elemental iron as ferrous sulphate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were mean and percentage changes in Hb. Serum ferritin and zinc concentrations serve as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Adjusted mean Hb increase was 0.6g/dl higher among women who were not iron replete (SF ferritin ≤ 20 µg/L) and received the iron-zinc supplement, compared to women who received iron-only supplement, F (1, 99) = 4.356, p = 0.039. Women who had low plasma zinc levels were 3-fold increased odds of developing iron deficiency at recruitment, (OR 3.41, 95% CI: 1.19-9.76). CONCLUSIONS: Iron-zinc supplementation was effective in raising Hb and serum ferritin values among women who were iron deficient in early pregnancy but not among iron sufficient women.