Daily vs. Every Other Day Oral Iron Supplementation in Patients With Absolute Iron Deficiency Anemia

This is a pilot, pragmatic, non‐inferiority, open label randomized controlled trial (RCT) in outpatients with iron deficiency anemia to evaluate the effectiveness of oral ferrous sulfate 300mg (60mg elemental iron) once daily versus every other day to improve hemoglobin at 12 weeks post‐initiation. The rationale for this study includes: (1) IDA is a common and prevalent condition with potential adverse consequences if left untreated; (2) optimizing effectiveness of oral iron supplementation while minimizing side effects will improve treatment for patients. Because IDA is a global health problem, common in clinical practice and treatable, this study will have a significant practical impact on how clinicians treat outpatients with iron deficiency anemia and how patients tolerate therapy. For the patient, the expected benefit from taking part in this study is the potential to improve and treat iron deficiency anemia. These potential changes may lead to improved symptoms associated with iron deficiency anemia, such as cognitive and physical functioning, and fatigue.