EFFECT OF IRON WITH MINERAL AND MULTIVITAMIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON TRANSFERRIN SATURATION INDEX IN IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA DURING PREGNANCY

Abstract

Background: Anaemia during pregnancy is associated with labour/delivery complications like, preterm delivery, low birth weight, reduced infant iron stores, impaired mother-child interactions, and increased infant and maternal mortality. The objective of current study was to find out whether supplementation of oral iron (three times a day) would affect Transferrin Saturation Index as effectively as supplementation with combination therapy (iron with multiple vitamin and minerals) in pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia. Methods: Two hundred primigravidae visiting the obstetric outpatient department of Services Hospital Lahore, between 14^th and 18^th week of gestation were included in the study. Among 200 pregnant women, 100 women receiving once daily tablet of supplementation including 2 supplements in tablet form containing 60 mg Iron with multivitamin and minerals were considered as group A. Group B consisted of 100 women receiving ferrous sulfate tablet three times a day (60 mg elemental iron). Level of serum iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) were estimated by standard kit methods. After informed consent, blood samples were taken between 14^th to 18^th week of gestation and follow-up samples were taken at 36^th week of gestation. Results: Levels of hematological parameters were compared before and after therapy at 14^th to 18^th week and 36^th weeks respectively.  The level of TIBC was increased significantly (p<0.001) after the combination therapy. Ratio of iron to TIBC or transferrin saturation index was markedly decreased after the combination therapy in this group. The level of TIBC was significantly decreased (p<0.001) after the therapy. Ratio of iron to TIBC or transferrin saturation index was markedly increased after the iron therapy in this group. 

Conclusion: Supplementation of iron with multivitamins and minerals has a role in increasing TIBC in pregnant females with iron deficiency anaemia.