Vitamin A and iron status are improved by vitamin A and iron supplementation in pregnant Indonesian women

J Nutr. 2002 Jul;132(7):1909-12. doi: 10.1093/jn/132.7.1909.

Abstract

In Indonesia, deficiencies of vitamin A and iron are of public health concern during pregnancy. We sought to determine the effects of vitamin A and iron supplementation on the vitamin A and iron status of pregnant Indonesian women. The women (n = 27) were randomly assigned to four groups. The modified relative dose response (MRDR) test for vitamin A status and hemoglobin, hematocrit and ferritin values were determined at baseline. Thereafter, daily supplements were administered: placebo [Pl] (n = 7), 8.4 micromol vitamin A [A] (n = 7), 1.07 mmol iron [Fe] (n = 5), and 8.4 micromol vitamin A plus 1.07 mmol iron [A + Fe] (n = 8). Post-treatment tests were performed after 8 wk. The MRDR value was reduced, i.e., vitamin A status improved, more markedly by the combination of vitamin A and iron than by either nutrient alone (P = 0.034). The decrease in the MRDR relative to baseline was significant in the A + Fe group (P = 0.008). Iron status was also significantly improved in these women (P < 0.05) with both iron and vitamin A supplementation. The mechanism of the enhancing effect of iron on the vitamin A-induced reduction in the MRDR is not known.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Diterpenes
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drug Interactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indonesia
  • Iron / administration & dosage
  • Iron / blood*
  • Iron / pharmacology*
  • Pregnancy / blood*
  • Retinyl Esters
  • Vitamin A / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin A / analogs & derivatives
  • Vitamin A / blood*
  • Vitamin A / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Diterpenes
  • Drug Combinations
  • Retinyl Esters
  • Vitamin A
  • retinol palmitate
  • Iron