Iron supplementation in patients with anemia

INTERVENTION: Participants are randomised to take one of two oral supplements daily for 30 days. The iron fumarate‐folic acid (IF‐FA) supplement contains the elemental iron equivalent of 30 mg and 400 µg of folic acid. The iron gluconate‐multivitamins (IG‐MV) supplement contains the elemental iron equivalent of 0.9 mg, 500 µg of folic acid, and multivitamins, such as 15 mg vitamin B1 HCl, 0.25 mg vitamin B2, 0.25 mg vitamin B6 HCl, 12.5 mg vitamin C, 1.5 mg calcium pantothenate, 10 mg nicotinamide, 0.5 mg folic acid, 0.65 mg cupric sulfate, and 100 mg dried beef liver. Data is collected on the factors that influence medication adherence is obtained from the calculation of the remaining tablets given for 30 days; the Medication Adherence Rating Score (MARS) tool; and the participants' perspective on adherence. For biomarker observations, hemoglobin levels are measured pre and post intervention. CONDITION: Moderate and severe anemia ; Haematological Disorders PRIMARY OUTCOME: Hemoglobin level measured using the portable analyzer HemoCue 201 at baseline and 30 days SECONDARY OUTCOME: Correlation factors to the success of anemia therapy such as ethnicity, adherence to MARS and pill counting methods, and the type of supplementation, measured at baseline and 30 days INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Moderate and severe anemia 2. Aged between 15–49 years 3. Consented to take part in the study