[Effect of iron supplementation on iron deficiency anemia of childbearing age women in Shanghai]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of iron supplementation on iron deficiency anemia of childbearing age women, and to find out the optimal amount of iron intake for maintaining their health.

Methods: 74 childbearing age women aged 21 to 45 years with anemia were randomly assigned to intervention or control group by hemoglobin content, and a iron nutrition packet (mainly composed of ferric pyrophosphate and ferrous fumarate, containing iron 8 mg) or a placebo packet was given daily for six months, respectively. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, food frequency and 24h dietary recall survey were performed before intervention and three and six months after intervention.

Results: Hemoglobin and serum ferritin of the intervention group were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in control group after six months. The number of women with hemoglobin > or = 120 g/L in intervention and control group was 15 (44.1%) and 5 (14.3%), respectively (P < 0.01). The number of women with serum ferritin > or = 15 micro g/L in intervention and control group was 11 (34.4%) and 4 (12.5%), respectively (P < 0.05). The average dietary iron intake was 14.0 mg/d, mainly from plant foods. There was a positive correlation of total iron intake (dietary iron plus iron supplements) with hemoglobin (r = 0.57, P < 0.01). More menstrual blood and dietary fiber were the risk factors for iron deficiency anemia (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The anemic status in childbearing age women could be improved by providing iron 8 mg daily for six months consecutively. Daily dietary intake of iron 23.2 mg can meet the requirement of maintaining normal iron storage for childbearing age women.