The effects of oral iron supplementation on ferritin levels in pregnant Burmese women

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#administration-oral #anemia-hypochromic #female #ferritins #folic-acid

The effects of oral iron supplementation on ferritin levels in pregnant Burmese women

Thane-Toe et al., 1982 | Am J Clin Nutr | Rct

Citation

Thane-Toe, Thein-Than. The effects of oral iron supplementation on ferritin levels in pregnant Burmese women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1982-Jan;35(1):95-9

Abstract

The usefulness of serum ferritin levels in assessing iron stores in pregnant women before and after supplementation with iron was studied. One hundred thirty-five healthy pregnant women between 22 to 28 wk were randomly allotted to daily dose regimes of 60, 120, or 240 mg of ferrous sulphate. The tablets were given after meals under strict personal supervision. Before supplementation, iron deficiency (ferritin level less than 10 micrograms/L) was present in 54.8% of the pregnant women, compared to an incidence of 17.8% when assessed by serum iron concentration of less than 50 micrograms/dl. The mean ferritin level of pregnant women was 14.15 micrograms/L and was less than one-half that of healthy single women and one-sixth of that of healthy males. Supplementation with oral iron for 12 wk produced an increase in ferritin levels in all the groups, but significant increases were seen only in women given 120 and 240 mg of ferrous sulphate with or without folic acid. However, there were no differences in final Hb levels among the supplemented groups.

Key Findings

However, there were no differences in final Hb levels among the supplemented groups.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population pregnant women
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Anemia, Hypochromic
  • Female
  • Ferritins
  • Folic Acid
  • Hemoglobins
  • Humans
  • Iron
  • Male
  • Myanmar
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: iron-anemia

Provenance

  • PMID: 6461243
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09