Mg Of Ferrous Sulfate Research Articles

Effect of Ferrous Sulphate Intake on Absorption of Cadmium Chloride in Drinking Water in Mature Female Rabbits

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal, which is mainly absorbed by gastro intestinal tract (GIT). This absorption increases when there is a decrease in the level of iron in body stores. This study was carried to find out that the intake of ferrous sulphate affects the absorption of cadmium chloride from gastro intestinal tract (GIT) of mature rabbits exposed chronically to polluted water with cadmium chloride (CdCl2). Four to five months old rabbits were equally divided into three groups: Control (A), this group offered ordinary tab water, the second treated group (B), offered tap water containing 80 parts per billion (ppb) CdCl2. The third treated group (C), offered tap water containing (80 ppb) CdCl2 with 4mg of ferrous sulphate that are given orally once a day. Cadmium concentration in serum was measured using atomic absorption instrument at the end of experiment which extended for 8 weeks. The results revealed that Cd concentration was increased significantly in the 2nd group (B) as the CdCl2 level in serum reached 2.057 ppb, while it decreases significantly in the 3rd group (C) where the level decreased to 0.455 ppb compared to control group (A). These findings concluded that the supplementing food with iron compounds led to a decrease in serum cadmium levels, where ferrous competes with the absorption of Cd.

37-Year-Old Woman With Bilateral Lower Extremity Edema, Proteinuria, and Microscopic Hematuria

37-Year-Old Woman With Bilateral Lower Extremity Edema, Proteinuria, and Microscopic Hematuria

Efficacy of once a week versus daily supplementation of 200 mg of ferrous sulphate for control of anaemia in school going menstruating adolescent girls

Background: Anaemia is one of the most common global public health problem among adolescents affecting developing and developed countries with major consequences for health as well as socio-economic development. India accounts for high prevalence of anaemia in adolescent girls. The objective of the study was to find the efficacy of once a week vs. daily oral iron supplementation of 200 mg of ferrous sulphate, in terms of increase in haemoglobin levels, in mild and moderate anaemic menstruating adolescent girls.Methods: Total 588 menstruating adolescent girls studying in selected eight schools of Handignur PHC were included in the study. Structured questionnaire was administered. Haemoglobin estimation was done at baseline, one, two and three months of iron supplementation. Data was analyzed by SPSS 16.0 version. Intention to treat analysis was carried out.Results: Prevalence of anaemia in menstruating adolescent girls was 94.6% (95% CI 92.83 to 96.37). There has been statistically significant increase in mean haemoglobin in daily at the end of two and three months of supplementation (p<0.001). At the end of three months of iron supplementation haemoglobin values became normal at 75th percentile in daily group and at 90th percentile in weekly group.Conclusions: The present study concludes that daily iron supplementation results in much higher levels of haemoglobin at the end of three months when compared with once a week supplementation. All the adolescent girls need iron supplementation-daily for anaemic and once a week for non-anaemic girls.

Iron Supplementation in Twin Pregnancy - The Benefit of Doubling the Iron Dose in Iron Deficient Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To assess the efficacy of doubling the daily dose of iron supplement in iron-deficient women with twin pregnancies. Using a prospective randomized controlled trial, iron-deficient women with twin gestations were randomized to receive a single or a double dose of daily iron from 16 weeks of gestation until 6 weeks postpartum. The primary outcome was hemoglobin at 32 weeks. Secondary outcomes included ferritin at 32 weeks, hemoglobin during pregnancy and postpartum, birth weights, preterm birth rate, gastrointestinal side effects, intravenous iron administration, and compliance with treatment. Eighty-five and 87 women were randomized to receive one capsule (group A) or two capsules (group B) of 34 mg of ferrous sulfate, respectively. Mean hemoglobin (9.6 g/dL and 9.7 g/dL) and ferritin (8.6 ng/ml and 8.5 ng/ml) were similar in both groups A and B, respectively, at allocation. Hemoglobin in group B was significantly higher from 32 weeks onward, until 6 weeks postpartum. There were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes examined. In twin pregnancies complicated by iron deficiency anemia, doubling the dose of iron increases hemoglobin and ferritin without worsening gastrointestinal side effects.

Iron supplementation in singleton pregnancy: Is there a benefit to doubling the dose of elemental iron in iron-deficient pregnant women? a randomized controlled trial.

To assess the efficacy of doubling the 30 mg dose of iron in women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in singleton pregnancies. Prospective randomized controlled trial. Iron-deficient women were randomized during the second trimester to receive one or two capsules of daily iron supplement, containing 34 mg of ferrous sulfate, from 17 weeks until 6 weeks postpartum. The primary outcome was hemoglobin (Hgb) at 35 weeks. Secondary outcomes included ferritin at 35 weeks, Hgb during pregnancy and postpartum, birth weights, preterm birth rate, gastrointestinal side effects, intravenous iron administration and compliance. In all, 160 women were randomized to receive one capsule and 164 received two capsules. Both groups had similar Hgb (10.1 g dl-1) and ferritin (9.3 and 9.4 ng l-1) at allocation. Hgb concentration in both groups was similar at 35 weeks (10.8 g dl-1). There were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes. In IDA pregnant women, a single dose of iron is as effective as a double dose.

Bioavailability of Microencapsulated Iron from Fortified Bread Assessed Using Piglet Model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of oral iron supplementation, in the form of fortified breads, on the growth performance, health, iron status parameters, and fecal metabolome of anemic piglets. A study was conducted on 24 hybrid (Large White × Landrace × Duroc) piglets. From day 44, the post-natal 12 piglets were supplemented with 100 g of one of two experimental breads, each fortified with 21 mg of ferrous sulphate, either encapsulated or not. After one week of oral supplementation, hematological parameters (hematocrit value, hemoglobin, and red blood cells) showed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). Piglets fed with the fortified breads had higher iron concentrations in the heart, liver, and intestinal mucosa compared to anemic piglets fed with control bread. Gene expression of hepcidin, iron exporter ferroportin (IREG1), and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), together with concentrations of plasma ferritin, showed no significant statistical differences between groups. Both fortified breads could be used as sources of bioavailable iron. The seven-day intervention trial showed microencapsulation to have only a mild effect on the effectiveness of iron supplementation in the form of fortified bread.

Clinical Criteria for Transitioning from Oral to IV Iron Replacement Therapy in Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia

▪Introduction: Oral iron supplementation is an effective means of iron replacement. Nevertheless, there is a frequent need to transition patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from oral to intravenous (IV) iron therapy for inadequate response. No definitive guidance on the optimal timing for this change in therapy exists. Serum hepcidin may be a marker in predicting response to oral iron therapy, but currently, hepcidin assays are not commercially available. We evaluated the ability of various early response characteristics to accurately predict for an overall hemoglobin (Hb) response to oral iron. Our objective was to identify an early predictor of overall Hb response in patients on oral iron treatment as a guide to the decision to switch from oral to IV iron in patients unlikely to benefit from continued oral iron.Methods: Proprietary datasets from 6 published randomized studies in which oral iron (325 mg of ferrous sulfate containing 65 mg of elemental iron, t.i.d.[4 studies], 304.3 mg capsules containing 100 mg bivalent iron b.i.d [1 study] and as prescribed by the investigator [1 study]) was used as a comparator to ferric carboxymaltose were analyzed. Five studies were pooled into one primary analysis dataset and one study was analyzed separately due to differences in study design that precluded pooling. Patients were grouped by the underlying etiology of their IDA (postpartum, heavy uterine bleeding, gastrointestinal, and others) and stratified by those who had ≥ 1 g/dL Hb change after 14 days of oral iron therapy (responders) and those who did not (non-responders). Further analyses evaluated Hb response at various time points based on initial 14 day Hb response (≥ 1 g/dL change vs < 1 g/dL). We systemically evaluated changes in hemoglobin, absolute reticulocyte count, % reticulocyte count, ferritin, and transferrin saturation at specific time points to determine their ability to predict overall Hb response.Results: A total of 738 patients who were randomized to oral iron were included in the pooled study analysis. In the separate study, a total of 253 patients, all non-responders, were included. The mean baseline values for the 6 studies were Hb 9.9 g/dL, ferritin 19.9 ng/mL, and TSAT 16.9%. The vast majority of patients (96%) were females with a mean age of 36 years. In the pooled analysis, by day 14 of oral iron treatment, 27.2% (201/738) of patients had a Hb increase of < 1 g/dL (non-responders). Of these 201 patients, less than half (46.8%, 94/201) achieved an increase in Hb ≥ 1 g/dL from baseline after 2 additional weeks of oral iron (by day 28) and only 63.2% (127/201) had an increase in Hb ≥ 1g/dL from baseline after 6 to 8 weeks of oral iron (42 to 56 days). Furthermore, only 27.4% (55/201) and 5.5% (11/201) had an increase in Hb of 2 or 3 g/dL respectively at the Day 42 or 56 measurement. In comparison, responders (those who had a Hb increase ≥ 1 g/dL by 14 days of treatment) sustained a robust Hb response with continued dosing of oral iron. After 4 weeks of oral iron (28 days), 84.9% of the responders had a ≥ 2 g/dL increase in Hb from baseline. After 6 to 8 weeks of oral iron (42 or 56 days), 92.9% of the patients had ≥ 2 g/dL Hb increase from baseline, significantly different from non-responders (p < 0.0001). Patients with etiology of postpartum anemia had the most robust Hb response to oral iron. Results observed in the sixth study were similar to the pooled analysis. Only 10.2% (17/167) of non-responders who continued oral iron after day 14 achieved a Hb ≥ 2g/dL by Day 35, whereas 38.8% (57/147) who were switched to IV ferric carboxymaltose achieved a Hb > 2/dL by Day 35 (p =0.0001). Hb response after 14 days of oral iron was a strong predictor of overall response (sensitivity = 90.1%, specificity = 79.3%, positive predictive value = 92.9%, negative predictive value= 72.7%), surpassing other parameters evaluated in this study.Conclusion: In the absence of significant continuous blood loss, Hb measurements taken 14 days after initiation of oral iron therapy can reliably predict overall response in Hb to oral iron therapy. Accordingly, day 14 Hb may be a useful tool for clinicians in determining when to switch patients from oral to IV iron. DisclosuresKoch:Luitpold Pharmaceuticals: Employment.

Effects of iron supplementation twice a week on attention score and haematologic measures in female high school students.

Iron deficiency, associated with a decline in cognitive function, is the most common nutritional deficiency globally. The present study aimed to identify the impact of weekly iron supplements on the attention function of female students from a high school in North Khorasan Province, Iran. This was a blind, controlled, clinical trial study, involving 200 female students who were chosen using the stratified randomised sampling method. First, laboratory studies were performed to detect iron consumption limitations. Next, the 200 students were divided randomly and equally into case and control groups. The case group was treated with 50 mg of ferrous sulfate twice a week for 16 weeks. We compared both groups' data on attention, iron status and erythrocyte indices. Questionnaires were used to collect demographic data, while clinical data was collected using complete blood count and Toulouse-Piéron tests. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, as well as paired and independent t-tests. The mean attention scores of the case and control groups were 104.8 ± 7.0 and 52.7 ± 9.6, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean haemoglobin levels of the two groups were 12.5 ± 0.9 and 11.2 ± 1.0, respectively (p < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the attention scores and haemoglobin concentrations of the case group were found to be improved by approximately 90% and 10%, respectively. Oral iron supplements (50 mg twice a week for 16 weeks) were able to improve the attention span and haematologic indices of female high school students.

Safety and efficacy of lactoferrin versus ferrous sulphate in curing iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in hereditary thrombophilia pregnant women: an interventional study

Objective Evaluate the safety and efficacy of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) versus the ferrous sulphate standard intervention in curing iron deficiency (ID) and ID anaemia (IDA) in pregnant women affected by hereditary thrombophilia (HT). Design Interventional study. Setting Secondary-level hospital for complicated pregnancies in Rome, Italy. Population 295 HT pregnant women (≥18years) suffering from ID/IDA. Methods Women were enrolled in Arm A or B in accordance with their personal choice. In Arm A, 156 women received oral administration of 100mg of bLf twice a day; in Arm B, 139 women received 520mg of ferrous sulphate once a day. Therapies lasted until delivery. Main outcome measures Red blood cells, haemoglobin, total serum iron, serum ferritin (haematological parameters) were assayed before and every 30days during therapy until delivery. Serum IL-6, key factor in inflammatory and iron homeostasis disorders, was detected at enrolment and after therapy at delivery. Possible maternal, foetal, and neonatal adverse effects were assessed. Results Haematological parameters were significantly higher in Arm A than in Arm B pregnant women (P≤0.0001). Serum IL-6 significantly decreased in bLf-treated women and increased in ferrous sulphate-treated women. BLf did not exert any adverse effect. Adverse effects in 16.5% of ferrous sulphate-treated women were recorded. Arm A women experienced no miscarriage compared to five miscarriages in Arm B women. Conclusions Differently from ferrous sulphate, bLf is safe and effective in curing ID/IDA associated with a consistent decrease of serum IL-6. The absence of miscarriage among bLf-treated women provided an unexpected benefit. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01221844.

A Preliminary Assessment of Cucurbita Maxima Leaves from Cameroon on Haematological Parameters in Albino Rats

Cucurbita maxima (locally called pumpkin plant) are widely used in North West region of Cameroon as indigenous medicine and food for the management of anemia since time immemorial. The current study of this plant was undertaken to establish the effect of this plant on hematological parameters of albino rats and also to attempt to ascertain its safety for use. For this purpose, 25 g/day powdered plant in the ratio of 1:2 with the normal feed was given orally to the test mice1 tablet of Irofolate (200 mg of ferrous sulphate and 0.25 mg of folic acid) moistened in 25 g normal feed was administered orally/day to the positive control mice and the normal feed (25 g) moistened with clean water was administered orally/day to the negative control. All rats were observed daily for up to six days for clinical signs of physiological abnormalities. Twenty four hours following the last administration, all rats were killed and examined for gross pathological lesions and blood samples collected for hematological parameters. Hematological parameters showed a significant difference amongst the test group mice compared with the control group mice.

Ascertainment of iron deficiency and depletion in blood donors through screening questions for pica and restless legs syndrome

Pica and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are associated with iron depletion and deficiency. The presence of pica and RLS was prospectively assessed in blood donors. During a 39-month period, 1236 donors deferred for fingerstick hemoglobin (Hb) level of less than 12.5 g/dL and 400 nondeferred "control" donors underwent health screening and laboratory testing (complete blood count, ferritin, iron, transferrin). Pica and RLS were assessed by direct questioning. Deferred donors and iron-deficient control donors were given 325 mg of ferrous sulfate daily for 60 days. Reassessments were performed and additional iron tablets dispensed at subsequent visits. Pica was reported in 11% of donors with iron depletion or deficiency, compared with 4% of iron-replete donors (p < 0.0001). Pagophagia (ice pica) was most common and often of extraordinary intensity. Female sex, younger age, and lower mean cell volume and transferrin saturation values were strongly associated with pica. Donors with pica given iron reported a marked reduction in the desire to consume the nonnutritive substance by Days 5 to 8 of therapy, with disappearance of symptoms by Days 10 to 14. RLS was reported in 16% of subjects with iron depletion or deficiency compared with 11% of iron-replete donors (p = 0.012). Iron replacement generally resulted in improvement of RLS symptoms; however, at least 4 to 6 weeks of iron therapy was necessary. The presence of pica is associated with a high probability of iron depletion or deficiency in blood donors; however, RLS lacks a strong correlation in this population. Screening questions for pagophagia may be useful in the ascertainment of iron deficiency in donors and may identify those who would benefit from oral iron.

A pragmatic randomised controlled trial on routine iron prophylaxis during pregnancy in Maputo, Mozambique (PROFEG): rationale, design, and success.

The effects of prophylactic iron during pregnancy on maternal and child health in developing settings with endemic malaria and high prevalence of HIV remain unclear. This paper describes the rationale, implementation and success of a pragmatic randomised controlled trial comparing routine iron supplementation vs. screening and treatment for anaemia during pregnancy. The setting was two health centres in Maputo, Mozambique. Pregnant women (≥ 12-week gestation; ≥ 18 years old; and not with a high-risk pregnancy, n=4326) were recruited. The main outcomes are preterm delivery and low birthweight. The women were randomly assigned to one of two iron administration policies: a routine iron group (n=2184) received 60 mg of ferrous sulphate plus 400 μg of folic acid daily while a selective iron group (n=2142) had screening and treatment for anaemia and a daily intake of 1 mg of folic acid. The recruitment, follow-up, and collection of follow-up data were successful; both groups were similar to each other in all the trial stages. Collection of delivery data was challenging and data on about 40% of births is missing. These are currently being traced through different hospitals and health centres. The compliance of the study personnel and the women with regard to regular measurement of haemoglobin and intake of the iron and folic acid tablets was high and similar in both trial arms. Taking into account the various constraints encountered, the stages of the present trial prior to delivery were carried out well.

Influence of lactoferrin in preventing preterm delivery: A pilot study

Lactoferrin (Lf) is an approximately 80-kDa iron-binding glycoprotein, belonging to the transferrin family, with well-known bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. It is produced and stored in specific (secondary) neutrophil granules and released during neutrophil activation and degranulation. Nowadays, Lf has a well-known therapeutic indication for combating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women. Studies suggest that Lf plays an important role against cervicovaginal infections by decreasing cytokines levels, such as interleukin (IL)-6, in cervicovaginal fluid. The aim of this preliminary trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of Lf in preventing preterm delivery caused by cervical infections and ripening. From November 2009 to August 2010, 21 pregnant women (26-32 weeks pregnant), aged between 22 and 36 years, suffering from IDA, at risk of preterm delivery, were prospectively enrolled in the study. One group (N=14) received 100 mg of recombinant human lactoferrin (bLf) [corrected] (lattoferrina; AG-pharma) twice a day before meals, for one month. The other group (N=7) received 520 mg of ferrous sulfate (Ferro-Grad; Abbott Laboratories, USA) once a day. The patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate cervical length and funneling, and vaginal swabs were used to detect infections and cervicovaginal fluid sample collection to determine IL-6 levels. The results showed a correlation between the oral administration of 200 mg of bLf [corrected] with both the normalization of vaginal flora (vaginal infection disappearance) and the decrease in IL-6 cervicovaginal fluid levels in women at risk of preterm delivery.

A study to establish whether food‐based approaches can improve serum iron levels in child‐bearing aged women

Iron-deficiency anaemia is particularly prevalent in pregnancy. The present study aimed to determine whether functional bread containing teff flour (i.e. naturally rich in iron) could be an alternative way of improving iron status. However, before testing whether its consumption can improve pregnancy iron status, the bio-availability of iron was determined in a sample of nonpregnant women. Fifty-eight women (20-50 years) were recruited from the University. Blood samples were taken at baseline to assess iron status and participants were screened to account for other factors affecting iron status. Twenty-four participants (haemoglobin 9.5-14.0g dL(-1) ) were recruited to take part in the intervention and allocated to five groups: (i) control bread (CB); (ii) teff bread (TB); (iii) TB+level 1 phytase (TB+P1); (iv) TB+level 2 phytase (TB+P2); or (v) a supplement containing 10 mg of ferrous sulphate. Venous blood samples were taken before the intervention and after 180-210min, aiming to determine changes in serum iron. Consuming three or four slices of TB provided statistically significantly more iron (7.6mg) than CB (5.1mg) (P<0.001). Because participants were fasted, serum iron levels declined in all bread groups (average -1.5μm), although the smallest reduction was observed in the TB+P2 group (-0.3 μm). The area-under-the-curve from baseline to 210min was lower in the TB+P2 (-78.8μmol min L(-1) ) group compared to the other bread interventions, indicating higher levels of iron absorption in this group. The results obtained in the present study show that TB consumption may help to maintain serum iron levels, especially when phytase is added. The findings from the study also demonstrate there may be potential to further improve the bio-availability of iron from non-haem food sources.

The effects of non-anaemic iron deficiency on cognition, mental health and fatigue in women of childbearing age: A systematic review protocol.

Review Question: Does iron deficiency effect specific measurements of mental health (such as but not limited to mental health, vitality and general health perceptions)? Does iron deficiency effect specific measurements of fatigue (Such as but not limited to behavioural/severity, affective meaning, sensory and cognitive/mood)? Does elemental iron supplementation improve iron status and have consequent effects on measurements of cognitive functioning? Inclusion criteria: Types of participants: This review will consider studies that include female human participants, aged between 13 and 40. Participants are to have serum iron studies performed with a result of either iron deficiency anaemia, iron deficiency (without anaemia), or iron sufficient. Participants are to have completed a cognitive functioning test and may also complete other measures of psychological functioning, including fatigue and mental health. Types of intervention: This review will consider studies that evaluate interventions that include any form of elemental iron supplementation for a minimum of 4 weeks. Ferrous sulphate is an iron salt formulation that typically contains 2‐3% elemental iron and is the most common treatment for iron deficiency. Ferrogradumet is the one most commonly recommended iron supplements by GPs in Australia. This supplement provides 325mg of ferrous sulphate and 105mg elemental iron, a dose which has been associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation and darkening of stools. In studies testing effects of iron supplementation, low doses are used to reduce the chance of subjects suffering from side effects (60 or 80mg elemental iron).The supplementation period must include a control group taking placebo to compare subsequent effect on iron status and cognitive functioning.

The effects of non-anaemic iron deficiency on cognition, mental health and fatigue in women of childbearing age: A systematic review protocol

Review Question: Does iron deficiency effect specific measurements of mental health (such as but not limited to mental health, vitality and general health perceptions)? Does iron deficiency effect specific measurements of fatigue (Such as but not limited to behavioural/severity, affective meaning, sensory and cognitive/mood)? Does elemental iron supplementation improve iron status and have consequent effects on measurements of cognitive functioning? Inclusion criteria: Types of participants: This review will consider studies that include female human participants, aged between 13 and 40. Participants are to have serum iron studies performed with a result of either iron deficiency anaemia, iron deficiency (without anaemia), or iron sufficient. Participants are to have completed a cognitive functioning test and may also complete other measures of psychological functioning, including fatigue and mental health. Types of intervention: This review will consider studies that evaluate interventions that include any form of elemental iron supplementation for a minimum of 4 weeks. Ferrous sulphate is an iron salt formulation that typically contains 2‐3% elemental iron and is the most common treatment for iron deficiency. Ferrogradumet is the one most commonly recommended iron supplements by GPs in Australia. This supplement provides 325mg of ferrous sulphate and 105mg elemental iron, a dose which has been associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation and darkening of stools. In studies testing effects of iron supplementation, low doses are used to reduce the chance of subjects suffering from side effects (60 or 80mg elemental iron).The supplementation period must include a control group taking placebo to compare subsequent effect on iron status and cognitive functioning.

Melanosis Ilei Associated with Chronic Ingestion of Oral Iron

Melanosis can affect various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Melanosis of the colon is not uncommon, while melanosis of the ileum is extremely rare. We report a case of melanosis ilei associated with chronic ingestion of oral iron (256 mg of ferrous sulfate once or twice daily for approximately 5 years) in a 32-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease. The findings of a colonoscopy, which was performed as a part of her medical checkup, were normal up to the cecum; however, numerous brownish-black punctuate pigmentations of the ileal mucosa were observed. Microscopic examination revealed hemosiderosis in the lamina propria of the ileal mucosa, particularly at the tips of villi. The diagnosis of melanosis (hemosiderosis) ilei was made based on the endoscopic and histological findings.

Short‐term ferrous sulfate supplementation in female blood donors

Iron deficiency is a public problem in women, which contributes to the high percentage of deferred blood donations in this group. This study evaluated the effect of iron supplementation in improving iron stores to promote safe blood donation in women. A total of 412 female blood donors were randomly recruited for the study. The volunteers were scheduled for an initial visit and three subsequent visits at 4-month intervals for possible repeat donation. Each volunteer was given 21 tablets of 150 mg of ferrous sulfate or placebo to be taken three times daily for 1 week after each blood donation. Their hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct), serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and percent saturation of the TIBC were tested throughout the course of the study. The group taking ferrous sulfate showed no significant difference between the mean initial and final result for any of the values other than Hb values, whereas there was a significant decline in mean Hb, Hct, serum iron, serum ferritin, and percent saturation in the group taking placebo. Hb concentrations declined significantly in both groups; however, it was more severe in the placebo group when compared to the ferrous sulfate group. The relative risk of iron deficiency in placebo group was 3.6 (95% confidence interval = 1.73-7.74). The results indicate that supplementation therapy can be considered as one of the strategies to promote safe blood donation in women. A quantity of 150 mg of elemental iron per day as ferrous sulfate, however, is not the correct dose for Iranian female donors.

Iron Supplementation Does Not Affect the Susceptibility of LDL to Oxidative Modification in Women with Low Iron Status

Elevated iron stores may or may not promote atherogenesis by increasing free radical formation and oxidative stress, but controlled diet and supplement trials are lacking. We tested the hypothesis that iron supplementation does not increase the susceptibility of LDL to undergo oxidative modification in women with low iron status. A randomized, double-blind, 2-period crossover study design (n=26) was used to examine the effects of the following diets on measures of LDL oxidation: average American diet (AAD) [36% of energy as fat; 15% saturated fatty acids (SFA)], and a Step 2 diet (26% fat; 7% SFA). In addition, subjects received either a supplement containing 160 mg of ferrous sulfate (50 mg elemental iron) or a placebo twice daily [supplement group received a total of 320 mg ferrous sulfate (100 mg elemental iron) daily]. After supplementation, serum ferritin differed between the supplement and placebo groups (P=0.008). Measures of LDL oxidation were not affected by supplement intake; however, they were affected by diet. Lag time was shorter after the women consumed the AAD diet than after the Step 2 diet (P<0.0001). The diets did not affect the rate of oxidation or total dienes. Although iron status was improved by aggressive iron supplementation, LDL oxidative susceptibility was not affected. As expected, lag time was increased after the women consumed the low fat, low SFA diet. Therefore, the results of this study do not support a relationship between iron status and LDL oxidation.

Iron Supplementation to Improve Endurance in Iron-Depleted, Nonanemic Women

Iron Supplementation to Improve Endurance in Iron-Depleted, Nonanemic Women