Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression for hemoglobin suggested a higher response with lower trial quality ( suboptimal allocation concealment and blinding ) , use of condiments , and sodium iron edetate and a lower response when adults were included .
Consumption of iron-fortified foods results in an improvement in hemoglobin , serum ferritin , and iron nutriture and a reduced risk of remaining anemic and iron deficient
BACKGROUND The utility of iron fortification of food to improve iron deficiency , anemia , and biological outcomes is not proven unequivocally .
Evaluation of the effectiveness of stainless steel cooking pots in reducing iron-deficiency anaemia in food aid-dependent populations.
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of stainless steel ( Fe alloy ) cooking pots in reducing Fe-deficiency anaemia  in food aid-dependent population s. DESIGN Repeated cross-sectional surveys . Between December 2001 and January 2003 , three surveys among children aged 6 - 59 months and their mothers were conducted in 110 households r and omly selected from each camp . The primary outcomes were changes in Hb concentration and Fe status . SETTING Two long-term refugee camps in western Tanzania . SUBJECTS Children ( 6 - 59 months ) and their mothers were surveyed at 0 , 6 and 12 months post-intervention . Stainless steel pots were distributed to all households in Nduta camp ( intervention ) ; households in Mtendeli camp ( control ) continued to cook with aluminium or clay pots . RESULTS Among children , there was no change in Hb concentration at 1 year ; however , Fe status was lower in the intervention camp than the control camp ( serum transferrin receptor ( sTfR ) concentration : 6.8 v. 5.9 microg/ml ; P < 0.001 ) . There was no change in Hb concentration among non-pregnant mothers at 1 year . Subjects in the intervention camp had lower Fe status than those in the control camp ( sTfR concentration : 5.8 v. 4.7 microg/ml ; P = 0.003 ) . CONCLUSIONS Distribution of stainless steel pots did not increase Hb concentration or improve Fe status in children or their mothers . The use of stainless steel prevents rusting but may not provide sufficient amounts of Fe and strong educational campaigns may be required to maximize use . The distribution of stainless steel pots in refugee context s is not recommended as a strategy to control Fe deficiency
Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression for hemoglobin suggested a higher response with lower trial quality ( suboptimal allocation concealment and blinding ) , use of condiments , and sodium iron edetate and a lower response when adults were included .
Consumption of iron-fortified foods results in an improvement in hemoglobin , serum ferritin , and iron nutriture and a reduced risk of remaining anemic and iron deficient
BACKGROUND The utility of iron fortification of food to improve iron deficiency , anemia , and biological outcomes is not proven unequivocally .