A Study of The Effect of Different Supplements on The Iron Status of Anaemic Young Adults

The study was carried out to compare the effect of different supplements on the iron status of anaemic young adults (18–25 yrs) residing at ladies hostel, kurukshetra. Supplementation study involved 36 girls divided into three groups of 12 each and were supplemented with iron capsules and iron fortified beverages. Group A was supplemented with fortified lime juice Group B with fortified grape juice and Group C with iron capsules. The supplementation period was for 90 days. The effect of supplementation was assessed by estimating the blood haemoglobin, serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) before and after supplementation. An increase in all the parameters was noted. The increase in all the three groups was statistically significant (P<0.01). Haemoglobin increased from 8.24±1.06 to 10.35±1.07 g/dl in group A, 8.43±0.89 to 10.33±0.76 g/dl in group B and 8.15±0.79 to 10.65±0.80 g/dl group C. Serum ferritin increased from 3.90±4.99 to 23.25±21.16 ng/ml in group A 3.9±3.59 to 23.55±17.25 ng/ml in group B and 7.1±11.04 to 38.58±27.42 ng/ml in group C. The TIBC decreased significantly from 390.41±25.29 to 325.41±26.48 mg/dl in group A, 383.83±41.22 to 308.00±24.77 mg/dl in Group B and 408.66±36.15 to 342.75±26.97 mg/dl in Group C. Between the three supplements there was no significant difference in haemoglobin and serum ferritin. A significant difference existed between grape juice and capsule (P<0.05). TIBC in Group B decreased to 308.00 mg/dl and in Group C, it was 342.75 mg/dl in group C. Between the three supplements there was no significant difference in haemoglobin and serum ferritin. A significant difference existed between grape juice and capsule (P<0.05). This difference was observed at initial level and the same continued after intervention. No significant difference was observed between the three supplement groups and all were found to be equally effective in improving the iron status among the anaemic individuals. Hence, the iron-fortified beverages may be recommended as a substitute for capsules.