Kagithane

Researchers are investigating the risk of anemia development in women aged 18 to 55 years who have non-anemic iron deficiency. The study aims to evaluate how oral iron therapy affects these women, particularly focusing on identifying early predictors of anemia progression. It also examines the effects of dietary changes and iron supplementation on symptoms and blood test results. Iron deficiency is common worldwide and can lead to fatigue and decreased physical performance if untreated, making early management important. The study includes two phases: an initial two-month nutritional intervention where all participants receive counseling to increase iron intake and absorption using dietary strategies, followed by a one-month oral iron treatment phase for those with ongoing iron deficiency. During the nutritional phase, participants receive biweekly phone calls to monitor adherence and symptoms. Women with persistent iron deficiency after two months take daily oral ferrous sulfate tablets containing 80 mg elemental iron for one month with continued adherence and symptom monitoring. Participants undergo clinical and laboratory assessments at baseline, after the nutritional phase, and after the oral iron therapy. These assessments include blood counts, ferritin levels, iron indices, inflammation markers, and patient-reported symptom scores. The study measures changes in these outcomes to understand the effects of the interventions and the progression toward anemia. Safety and adherence are closely followed throughout the study, which is designed to improve individualized management of iron deficiency and inform safer treatment approaches.