A randomized trial investigating an iron-rich bread as a prophylaxis against iron deficiency in pregnancy

Abstract

The iron-rich bread (2.2 mg iron per 50 g slice) used in the study was developed using Eragrostis tef flour, naturally rich in iron. Iron deficiency is prevalent in pregnancy and compliance with supplements can be low. In this double-blind, randomized trial 34 Caucasian, primiparous antenatal patients were randomized to receive intervention bread or a placebo for 6 weeks. Women consumed on an average of 2.3 slices per day, providing a total of 5.0 mg iron. Using World Health Organisation (2001) haemoglobin cut-offs, 12% of participants eating the iron-rich bread were iron deficient by the end of the study compared with 27% in the control group. For other markers of iron status, these were improved in the placebo versus the treatment group. For example, a significant decline in serum iron and transferrin saturation was not observed in this group. Findings demonstrate that other modes of delivery, i.e. food fortification, may be needed to generate 'physiological effects', or further measures are taken to improve intervention compliance.

Assessing the health risks associated with elevated manganese and iron in groundwater in Sreemangal and Moulvibazar Sadar, Bangladesh

“…However, there has been evidence that drinking water with high bioavailability can absorb up to 40% Fe (Halksworth et al 2003;Bokhari et al 2012). Recent studies identified that those infants and children who were exposed to high Fe levels experienced adverse effects from Fe supplementation (Briend et al 1990;Silva et al 2015;Wessling-Resnick 2017).…”

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

“…The choice of processed food vehicles varies widely by region and context, depending on the subpopulation targeted, food consumption and acceptability, food availability and sustainability, as well as the financial and technical concerns. The staple food is the most commonly used as vehicle of fortification, in addition, milk powder, beverages, biscuits, the most commonly used sauce, such as soy sauce, drink and water, can also be used as fortified foods [92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104].…”