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The effect of oral iron prophylaxis on haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) has been studied in 300 pregnant women. From the 3rd to 4th month of pregnancy and until term the women were randomly treated with 100 mg or 200 mg ferrous iron daily respectively as sustained-release tablets (Duroferon Duretter ) or 200 mg ferrous iron as rapidly disintegrating tablets. All three treatments gave the same effect on Hb and Hct. This was true irrespective of the initial Hb. It was concluded that even the 100 mg dose was sufficient to cover the increased iron demands during pregnancy and to give an increase in Hb in anemic patients. The frequency of side-effects was lower in the two groups receiving the sustained-release tablets. The changes in Hb with time during pregnancy in relation to the initial iron status are discussed and some practical conclusions concerning the interpretation of the effect of iron supplementation during pregnancy are drawn.

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