Conclusion Applying the CHERG rules , we recommend a 73 % reduction in anemia at term with daily iron ( alone ) supplementation or iron/folate ( combined ) vs. no intervention or placebo ; for inclusion in the LiST model .
Introduction Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency in the world , particularly during pregnancy .
According to the literature , anemia , particularly severe anemia , is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality .
It also puts mothers at risk of multiple perinatal complications .
Numerous studies in the past have evaluated the impact of supplementation with iron and iron-folate but data regarding the efficacy and quality of evidence of these interventions are lacking .
This article aims to address the impact of iron with and without folate supplementation on maternal anemia and provides outcome specific quality according to the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group ( CHERG ) guidelines .
Intermittent oral iron supplementation during pregnancy.
RATIONALE It has been suggested that in pregnant women weekly iron supplements are as effective as daily supplements in preventing iron deficiency anaemia ( IDA ) . OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of prophylactic antenatal oral iron supplements given weekly , thrice weekly and daily in preventing IDA in pregnancy . DESIGN A r and omised control trial . SETTING University antenatal clinic , ( UANC ) Galle . SUBJECTS AND METHOD An oral iron supplement containing 100 mg of elemental iron was r and omly given weekly ( n = 26 ) thrice weekly ( n = 35 ) and daily ( n = 31 ) to 92 women who were 14 to 24 weeks pregnant .  Haemoglobin ( Hb ) , serum ferritin ( SF ) and haematocrit ( Hct ) were assessed before and after 12 to 20 weeks of supplementation and a logistic regression analysis carried out . RESULTS The risk of developing anaemia was significantly higher in the weekly ( odds ratio 15 , 95 % CI 1.4 - 165.6 , p < 0.03 ) and possibly higher in the thrice weekly ( odds ratio 3 , 95 % CI 0.3 - 30.3 , p = 0.3 ) groups . The risk of developing iron deficiency ( SF < 12 micrograms/l ) was also significantly higher in the weekly ( odds ratio 18 , 95 % CI 2.8 - 115.5 , p < 0.003 ) and thrice weekly ( odds ratio 10 , 95 % CI 1.6 - 64.8 , p < 0.02 ) groups . CONCLUSION Prophylactic oral iron supplements when given intermittently were not effective in preventing iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy
Conclusion Applying the CHERG rules , we recommend a 73 % reduction in anemia at term with daily iron ( alone ) supplementation or iron/folate ( combined ) vs. no intervention or placebo ; for inclusion in the LiST model .
Introduction Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency in the world , particularly during pregnancy .
According to the literature , anemia , particularly severe anemia , is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality .
It also puts mothers at risk of multiple perinatal complications .
Numerous studies in the past have evaluated the impact of supplementation with iron and iron-folate but data regarding the efficacy and quality of evidence of these interventions are lacking .
This article aims to address the impact of iron with and without folate supplementation on maternal anemia and provides outcome specific quality according to the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group ( CHERG ) guidelines .