COMPARISON OF IRON ALONE VERSUS IRON COMBINED WITH VITAMIN A FOR MANAGING IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i1.1752Keywords:
iron, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin AAbstract
Background: Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency and a significant global public health concern. This study aims to rapidly reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and prevent related cognitive impairments in children. Objective was to compare the effectiveness of iron alone versus iron combined with Vitamin-A in reducing iron deficiency anaemia in children (aged 6–59 months of age). Methods: This randomized controlled trial over 6 months conducted in Department of Paediatrics, PAC Hospital, Kamra. Study included 104 children (52 in each group), aged 6–59 months, of either gender, with haemoglobin levels below 11 g/dL and serum ferritin levels below 12 ng/mL. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A received iron plus Vitamin A, while Group B received only iron therapy. After three months, patients were assessed for changes in haemoglobin concentration and ferritin levels as ferritin stores replenish in specified period. Data were recorded using a specially designed form. Results: In Group A, the mean age was 37±7.10 months, and in Group B, it was 40±6.25 months. In Group A, 27 (52%) children experienced a reduction in IDA, and in Group B, 15 (29%) children showed a reduction in IDA. Older children in Group A and those having literate mothers showed better improvement in IDA in Group A. Conclusion: Combining iron with Vitamin A is more effective than iron alone in reducing iron deficiency anaemia in children.
Pak J Physiol 2025;21(1):41–4, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i1.1752
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sadia Mir, Attia Bano, Hina Batool Siddiqui, Nasreen Ali, Noor-e-Sahar, Madiha Noor
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