The Interactıon Between Anemıa and Vıtamın A In Chıldbearıng Ages

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the interactions between anemia and vitamin A and the effects of vitamin A supplementation in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia on 18 normal and 17 anemic women in childbearing ages. At the beginning of the study; hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation, MCHC, vitamin A and Ccarotene levels were measured in both groups. Although it was not statistically significant, the level of serum vitamin A was lower in the anemic group compared with control group. The anemic women were randomly divided into two groups. First group was treated with 200 mg Fe+2/day for 3 months. Second group was received 15000 IU/day vitamin A in addition to 200 mg Fe+2/day iron for same period of time. At the end of treatment no significant differences were found in relation to hemotological data except of TIBC concentration between group 1 received iron alone and group 2 received iron plus vitamin A. It was found that TIBC levels of group 2 received iron plus vitamin A were significantly lower compared with group 1 (p<0.05). Serum vitamin A increased significantly while serum C-carotene decreased in group 2 treated with iron and vitamin A. There were similar trends in respect to vitamin A and 6-carotene concentration, but the difference was not statistically significant in group 1. The results of the study indicated the interrelationships between anemia and vitamin A. Supplementation with vitamin A during iron therapy may provide better improvement in health status of anemic subjects.