The relative effectiveness of iron and iron with riboflavin in correcting a microcytic anaemia in men and children in rural Gambia

Abstract

Adult males and children between 4 and 12 years in a subsistence farming community in The Gambia were screened for haematological status. 80 men and 80 children with initially poor status were identified and allocated to three treatment groups comprising: a placebo, ferrous sulphate, and ferrous sulphate with riboflavin. Over a period of 6 weeks of supplementation there was a general improvement in haematological status in the two supplemented groups. The inclusion of riboflavin in the supplement enhanced recovery, particularly in those individuals with strikingly low levels of haemoglobin at the outset.