DIFFERENT REGIMENS OF IRON SUPPLEMENTATION ON MATERNAL IRON STATUS AND PREGNANCY OUTCOME: RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

Background: In non-anemic pregnant women recommended a daily intake of iron supplementation. This study aimed to determine the effects of daily iron supplementation versus twice a week in non-anemic pregnant women on pregnancy outcome. Material and method:: In this double- blind randomized clinical trial study 508 pregnant women with Hb> 11mg/dl and serum ferritin 10-300 ng/dl in first half of pregnancy were randomly divided to receive either of 1 table/day [50 mg elemental] ferrous sulphate[n=254], or two tablet per weeks[n=254]. Haemoglobin, ferritin and glucose challenge test were measured in the 24-28th weeks and at the end of pregnancy. Patient information was recorded and analysed for haemoglobin, insulin, and ferritin. Data were analysed using independent-t test, ANOVA, and Chi square tests. Results: The risk of preeclampsia and low birth weight significantly increased in the groups with daily intake of iron supplements. In addition, the levels of FBS, insulin and blood-pressure rise significantly in the second trimester. We should also note that the mean ferritin levels were significantly higher in cases with low birth weight and preeclampsia. Conclusion: The daily supplementation of iron significantly increased preeclampsia and low birth weight in nonanaemic pregnant women which is associated with high level of ferritin in patient Keywords: Low Birth weight, Ferritin, Iron, dietary supplement, gestational diabetes