The Effect of Simultaneous Administration of Zinc Sulfate and Ferrous Sulfate in the Treatment of Anemic Pregnant Women



Mahmoudian A¹ ; Khademloo M²
Source: Journal of Research in Medical Sciences Published:2005

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency and its resulting anemia is a common problem among Iranian pregnant women. In spite of iron supplementation program, yet, this problem has not resolved in many parts of the country. Zinc deficiency also is very common in Iran. This study evaluated the efficiency of concomitant zinc and iron therapy in the treatment of anemic pregnant Iranian women. Methods: A total of 118 anemic women were registered in this randomized controlled trial. Both groups received 100 mg elemental iron daily. The intervention group received an additional dose of 15mg zinc every day for a period of 12 weeks while the control group received placebo. Serum hemoglobin was measured at the beginig of study, after 12 weeks of treatment and at the end of 8 weeks follow-up. Collected data were analyzed with %95 significance level by ANOVA test for comparing baseline characteristics in the two groups and t-test was applied to assess hemoglobin changes in the intervention group. Results: After 12 weeks of therapy, desirable response was obtained in 78.35% and 93.1% (CI=95%) of anemic women in control and intervention group, respectively which showed a significant difference (P<0.05). Increase in serum hemoglobin just after 12 weeks of treatment was 2.22 ± 0.77 and 1.5 ± 0.66 (gr/dl) in intervention and control group respectively, (P<0.001). Serum hemoglobin differences in the two groups 8 weeks later (step2) when iron alone was administered to both groups were 2.24 ± 0.77 and 1.49 ± 0.66 (gr/dl) respectively. (P<001). Conclusion: this study clearly demonstrated the efficacy of this inexpensive and simple intervention in the treatment of anemia and prevention of its recurrence in anemic pregnant women.