Comparison of two iron supplementation methods on Hemoglobin level and Menstrual Bleeding in Tabriz students

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia is a global health problem, and approximately 50% of anemia is caused by iron deficiency. According to studies, iron supplementation in young females improves iron status by increasing concentration of hemoglobin. To compare of prescribing two methods of iron supplementation administered either on a weekly basis or during menstruation, on hemoglobin level and menstrual blood¸ this double blind Randomized clinical trial study was carried out among female students in Tabriz, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 150 female students allocated randomly in two groups. (75 students took an iron tablet weekly and 75 students took an iron tablet for first four days during their menstruation cycle for 16 weeks). Before and after intervention, the level of hemoglobin was measured and Higham chart was completed by participants in each group. Chi-square, independent t-Test, paired t-Test and ANCOVA were used for data analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of demographic characteristics, hemoglobin level and amount of menstrual bleeding before and after intervention (p>0.05). Taking iron supplement increased significantly the level of hemoglobin in each group (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in amount of menstrual bleeding (p>0.05) when comparing the data before and after intervention in each group. CONCLUSION: The two iron supplementation methods (menstrual bleeding period and weekly) have similar results on Hemoglobin level and menstrual bleeding.