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

Authors:
  • LPLourdes S. Paulino
    Lourdes S. Paulino
  • ARAdelisa C. Ramos
    Adelisa C. Ramos
  • UEUnita Marie Etorma
    Unita Marie Etorma
  • TCTommaso Cavalli-Sforza
    Tommaso Cavalli-Sforza
  • SMSilvano Milani
    Silvano Milani
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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.
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