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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 Aug;63(8):970-7.
doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2009.11. Epub 2009 Mar 4.

Haematological effects of multimicronutrient supplementation in non-pregnant Gambian women

R Gulati  1 , R Bailey, A M Prentice, B J Brabin, S Owens
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Haematological effects of multimicronutrient supplementation in non-pregnant Gambian women

R Gulati et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009 Aug.

Abstract

Background/objectives: The use of multimicronutrient (MMN) supplementation to reduce the burden of anaemia in non-pregnant women of reproductive age has been little studied, particularly in Africa. The objective of the study was to evaluate haematological outcomes in non-pregnant, rural Gambian women of reproductive age, receiving daily MMN supplements for 1 year.

Subjects/methods: The study in 293 women aged from 17 to 45 years old was nested within a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial of periconceptional MMN supplementation [ISRCTN 13687662], using the United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Preparation (UNIMMAP), received daily for 1 year or until conception. Red cell parameters and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentration were measured at baseline and after 12 months in those women who did not conceive.

Results: Anaemic women (haemoglobin concentration <12 g per 100 ml) were more likely to be older and in economic deficit at baseline. Mean change in haemoglobin concentration was +0.6+/-1.4 g per 100 ml in the intervention arm and -0.2+/-1.2 g per 100 ml in the placebo arm (P<0.001). After supplementation with MMN, the relative risk of anaemia (<12 g per 100 ml) was 0.59 (0.46, 0.76) compared with placebo. Anaemic subjects at baseline showed an increase in mean haemoglobin from 10.6 g per 100 ml to 11.8 g/l (P<0.001) after MMN supplementation.

Conclusions: MMN supplementation should be considered as a strategy for improving the micronutrient and haematological status of non-pregnant women of reproductive age.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Trial Profile: subjects entering PMMST and further enrolment into the haematological sub-study
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comparison of haemoglobin change in MMN and placebo groups in relation to baseline haemoglobin concentration
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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