Intermittent Iron Folate Supplementation: Impact on Hematinic Status and Growth of School Girls

In view of high iron needs for adolescent growth, this paper studied the impact of daily vs. intermittent (once and twice weekly) iron folic acid (IFA) supplementation on hemoglobin levels and pubertal growth among primary school girls in early adolescence (9–13 years) of Vadodara, India. Methods. Hemoglobin (Hb), height and weight of the girls were assessed using standard methods. In three experimental schools (ES) IFA tablets in a dose of 100 mg Fe + 0.5 mg folic acid was given either daily, once weekly or twice weekly for one year. The fourth school (control: CS) did not receive any intervention. Results. Hb levels significantly improved (P < 0.01) in all ES compared to CS. Body Mass Index (BMI) increment in ES vs CS was significant (P < 0.05) in twice weekly IFA and daily IFA. Within ES groups, mean Hb and BMI increments were comparable between twice weekly IFA and daily IFA. Anemic ES girls showed higher Hb and BMI increments vs. non-anemic girls. Better the Hb response, greater was the benefit on BMI. Conclusion: Twice-weekly IFA supplementation was comparable to daily IFA as regards impact on Hb and growth; at less cost and greater feasibility. Once-weekly dose was inadequate to significantly improve growth.