Stopped prematurely because too few patients were recruited.

200 patients with post partum anemia will be randomised to receive either intravenous iron (intervention group) or peroral iron (control group).

The hypothesis is that intravenous iron supplementation is superior to standard peroral iron.

The study is a multi center phase 3 trial, comprising 3 medium sized obstetrical units in Norway.

The amount of iron given to the intervention group is calculated according to the modified Ganzoni formula. The control group is given the standard regime of 200 mg ferro sulphate daily. In both groups, treatment start at inclusion, within 48 h of delivery.

The sample size was based on power calculations: About 200 participants are required to detect a difference of 0.5 g/dl between the groups (with 80 % power).

Randomization is performed by use of opaque envelopes. An electronic CRF is applied. Laboratory analysis are provided by a recognized Swedish biochemical laboratory.

Apart from hemoglobin and the common iron parameters, the serum concentration of soluble ferritin receptors will be analyzed, as well as hepcidin levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Woman within 48 h post partum
• Hemoglobin level equal or higher than 6.5 g/dl and equal or lower than 8.5 g/dl
• Able to read and understand the Norwegian language
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Anemia not attributable to iron deficiency
• Contraindications for any of the study drugs
• Treatment with drugs, dietary supplements or natural remedies containing iron
• Clinically significant condition which in the opinion of the investigator should disqualify the patient from the study
• Assessed as requiring blood transfusion(s)