Comparison effect of daily versus intermittent dose of iron supplement on the blood indices, serum level of iron, ferritin and zinc in healthy pregnant women

This clinical trial study aimed to compare daily and intermittent dose of iron supplementation on blood indices, Iron, Zinc and Ferritin among 146 healthy pregnant women. Inclusion criteria for pregnant women are ages 17- 40, being less than 20 weeks of gestation, having hemoglobin higher than 11 g/dl, and no symptoms of minor β Thalassemia or any other diagnosed internal disease. Furthermore, those with history of abortion or more than 2 deliveries will be excluded from the study. All participants at the first admission in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinics will be randomly divided in 2 groups. Initial blood samples (5 ml) will be drawn at 10-14 weeks of pregnancy (first trimester) to control CBC, Fe, Zinc and Ferritin. From 20th weeks of pregnancy Case groups will receive daily dose of iron supplement (50 mg/day) and those in control group will receive intermittent dose of iron supplement (three times /week) (50 mg/each time). Then blood samples will be taken from all subjects at trimester two (26-28 weeks) and three (34-37 weeks) and the results will be compared with the results of trimester one. Additionally, results will be compared between two groups. All the subjects will be monthly followed up regarding consumption of the medication and its side effects.

The research council of Babol University of Medical Sciences.