Defining a Dosing Regimen With Maximal Absorption for Oral Iron Supplementation During Pregnancy

Optimizing Oral Iron Supplementation Regimens During Pregnancy Using Serum Hepcidin Profiles and Iron Stable Isotopes: Defining a Dosing Regimen With Maximal Absorption and Minimal Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is common during pregnancy and has adverse effects on the mother, fetus and newborn. Oral iron supplements are usually recommended to prevent ID/IDA during pregnancy.

The aim of this study is to define an iron supplementation schedule with maximal absorption using serum hepcidin profiles and stable iron isotopes in pregnant women. In this randomized, open-label trial, fractional and total iron absorption will be compared from daily dosing with 60 mg iron versus alternate day and every third day dosing with 120 mg iron in pregnant Thai women with low iron stores (n=28) during their second trimester of pregnancy.

This study could have wide impact, providing the evidence base for revised, improved recommendations for iron supplementation during pregnancy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• gestational week 14-16 at study start
• singleton pregnancy
• Serum ferritin SF <60 µg/L
• non-anemic or mildly anemic, defined as hemoglobin (Hb) >10 g/dL
• female aged 18-45 years
• healthy Thai woman

Exclusion Criteria:

• acute or chronic disease
• taking medications that could influence iron absorption
• smoking