Evaluation of effectiveness of iron-folate supplementation and anthelminthic therapy against anemia in pregnancy a study in the plantation sector of Sri Lanka
Atukorala, T.M.; de Silva, L.D.; Dechering, W.H.; Dassenaeike, T.S.; Perera, R.S.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 60(2): 286-292
1994
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/60.2.286Document Number: 264945
Intervention measures against anemia available to plantation workers during pregnancy include fortified food supplements (thriposha) and iron-folate supplements containing 60 mg elemental Fe. The effectiveness of these intervention measures was studied in 195 subjects whose iron and nutritional status were assessed at < 24 and > 32 wk of gestation. Taking thriposha conferred no significant benefit on maternal nutritional status, probably because sufficient amounts were not consumed. An increase in the duration of iron-folate supplementation to > 17 wk caused a significant positive change (P < 0.01) in hemoglobin, whereas an increase in the dose frequency had no significant benefit. Anthelminthic therapy in addition to iron-folate supplements caused a significant positive change in hemoglobin (P < 0.001) and serum ferritin (P < 0.005) compared with no supplementation. Thus, anthelminthic therapy significantly increased the beneficial effects of iron supplementation on hemoglobin concentration and iron status.