Comparison of the effect of ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate on
prophylaxis of iron deficiency in toddlers 6-24 months old: A Randomized
Clinical Trial
Abstract
Background: Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency
affecting nearly one-third of the population and is the leading cause of
anemia worldwide. n this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of
ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate supplements to identify the best
iron supplement with the most effective and the least side effects in
toddlers 6-24 months old. Methods: A randomized, single-blind clinical
trial was performed. A total of 120 healthy toddlers aged 6 to 24 months
old (two groups of 60) entered the study. Toddlers receiving ferrous
sulfate (FS group) and ferrous gluconate (FG group) supplements. Blood
indices such as hemoglobin & ferritin levels were evaluated at baseline
and 6 months post- supplementation. Results: The FG group that received
ferrous gluconate chelate iron showed approximately 2.4 g/dl higher Hb
level in comparison to the FS group with ferrous sulfate supplementation
6 months post-supplementation (12.51±0.58 g/dL vs. 10.10±0.83, p =
0.045). Side effects were significantly more common in the FS group than
the FG group (43.3 % vs. 16.7 %, P ≤ 0.001. Conclusion: The present
study shows that educating mothers to feed toddlers with breast milk and
iron supplements, including ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate, can
be helpful in the prophylaxis of iron deficiency. Our results show that
ferrous gluconate can be used in cases where ferrous sulfate causes
unacceptable side effects.