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
Iron supplementation improves iron status and reduces morbidity in children with or without upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled study in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
BACKGROUND Iron deficiency anemia and recurrent infections are common among children of low socioeconomic status . OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the effects of iron supplementation on iron status and morbidity in children with or without infection . DESIGN Children aged 5 - 10 y were recruited for a r and omized , controlled , double-blind study from out patients attending the Children 's Hospital , Colombo , Sri Lanka . Clinical , inflammatory , nutritional , and iron statuses were determined at baseline and after the intervention . Children with a history of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections ( URTIs ) and with laboratory and clinical evidence of a current URTI constituted the infection group ( n = 179 ) , and children without infection constituted the control group ( n = 184 ) . Subjects in both groups were supplemented with ferrous sulfate ( 60 mg Fe ) or placebo once daily for 8 wk . Morbidity from URTIs , the number of gastrointestinal infections , and compliance were recorded every 2 wk . RESULTS The overall prevalence of anemia was 52.6 % . Iron supplementation significantly improved iron status by increasing hemoglobin ( P < 0.001 ) and serum ferritin ( P < 0.001 ) concentrations from baseline values in the children with or without infection . There was no significant improvement in iron status in the children who received placebo . In both the infection group and the control group , the mean number of URTI episodes and the total number of days sick with an URTI during the period of intervention were significantly lower ( P < 0.005 and P < 0.001 , respectively ) in the children who received iron supplements than in those who received placebo . CONCLUSION Iron supplementation significantly improves iron status and reduces morbidity from URTIs in children with or without infection
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