After the intervention , Hb concentration and serum ferritin concentration were both higher in the NaFeEDTA group compared with the control group .
Subgroup analysis indicated that a lower baseline Hb level was associated with a greater increase in Hb concentration .
No significant difference in serum Zn concentration was found .
We concluded that NaFeEDTA increased both Hb concentration and serum ferritin concentration substantially in Fe-deficient population s , and could be an effective Fe preparation to combat Fe deficiency
The use of NaFeEDTA-fortified fish sauce is an effective tool for controlling iron deficiency in women of childbearing age in rural Vietnam.
One cost-effective strategy for controlling iron deficiency is the fortification of staple foods or condiments with iron . We evaluated the effectiveness of fortifying fish sauce with NaFeEDTA for improving iron status in women of childbearing age in Vietnam in a double-blind intervention with r and omization by village . All families in the selected villages were supplied with fish sauce that was either unfortified ( Group C , 10 villages ) or fortified with NaFeEDTA [ 9 mmol ( 500 mg ) Fe/L , Group F , 11 villages ] for 18 mo . The effect of fortification was assessed in the 576 women ( n = 288/group ) by measuring hemoglobin and serum ferritin ( SF ) at 6 , 12 , and 18 mo . Analysis of the group x time interaction using a repeated- measures test for each response demonstrated a significant effect of fortification on hemoglobin ( P = 0.039 ) and log SF ( P < 0.0001 ) in Group F with no significant changes in Group C. The prevalence of iron deficiency ( SF < 12 microg/L ) decreased from 22.3 to 4.0 % and the prevalence of anemia ( hemoglobin < 120 g/L ) from 24.7 to 8.5 % in Group F with no significant changes in Group C. NaFeEDTA fortification of fish sauce is an effective method for reducing the prevalence of iron deficiency in women in Vietnam
After the intervention , Hb concentration and serum ferritin concentration were both higher in the NaFeEDTA group compared with the control group .
Subgroup analysis indicated that a lower baseline Hb level was associated with a greater increase in Hb concentration .
No significant difference in serum Zn concentration was found .
We concluded that NaFeEDTA increased both Hb concentration and serum ferritin concentration substantially in Fe-deficient population s , and could be an effective Fe preparation to combat Fe deficiency