A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial of education and iron supplementation for mitigation of iron deficiency in regular blood donors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The historical approach of offering dietary advice to donors with low hemoglobin (Hb) is ineffective for preventing iron deficiency in frequent donors. Alternative approaches to maintaining donor iron status were explored.

Study design and methods

Frequent blood donors were randomly assigned into five arms for 2 years of follow-up. Three double-blinded arms provided 60 once-daily pills after each donation (38, 19, or 0 mg of iron). Two single-blinded arms provided iron status (ferritin) or no information letters after each donation. Ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, and complete blood count were measured at each donation.

Results

There were 692 subjects enrolled and 393 completed the study. Subjects in pill groups deenrolled more than those in letter

SUBMITTER: Mast AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4905782 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature