ASSESSING THE NEED FOR AND IMPACT OF USE OF IRON FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION IN PREGNANT WOMEN: ROLE OF HAEMOGLOBIN AND FERRITIN

In India, there are substantial inter-state and urban-rural variations in the prevalence of anaemia and iron, folic acid and vitamin B 12 deficiency in pregnant women as well as the type and dose of micro-nutrient supplements provided in antenatal clinics. Our institution had conducted two hospital-based randomized studies on treatment of anaemia in pregnant women with Haemoglobin (Hb) between 8.0 to 10.9 g/dL with different doses of iron, folic acid and vitamin (vit) B12. Blood samples were collected at enrolment and after 8 weeks of supplementation and Hb, ferritin, C reactive protein (CRP), folic acid and Vitamin B 12 levels were estimated.