Government-Industry Partnership in Weekly Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation for Women of Reproductive Age in the Philippines: Impact on Iron Status

Authors: Angeles-Agdeppa, Imelda; Paulino, Lourdes S.; Ramos, Adelisa C.; Etorma, Unita Marie; Cavalli-Sforza, Tommaso; Milani, Silvano

Source: Nutrition Reviews, Volume 63, Supplement 1, December 2005 , pp. 116-125(10)

Publisher: International Life Sciences Institute

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Abstract:

The effectiveness of weekly iron-folic acid supplements promoted through a government-industry partnership was assessed in pregnant and non-pregnant women in the Philippines. Compliance to both weekly and daily supplementation increased during the year-long study period, but was highest with weekly supplementation. Serum ferritin and hematocrit increased significantly, whereas the hemoglobin level showed minimal change, probably because of lack of other heme-forming nutrients such as vitamin A. Serum ferritin increments were significantly higher in women taking the iron-folic acid supplements for more than 6 weeks. Weekly iron-folic acid supplementation should be recommended as a preventive strategy to control iron deficiency among reproductive-age women in the Philippines.

Keywords: ANEMIA; WEEKLY IRON-FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION; REPRODUCTIVE AGE WOMEN; GOVERNMENT-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1301/nr.2005.dec.S116-S125

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