ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the effect of vitamin A and iron supplementation on iron status during pregnancy. Methods: 167 pregnant women aged 21～33 years in the second trimester were recruited and randomly allocated to four groups: placebo; vitamin A (1.1 mg/d); iron(60 mg elemental iron); vitamin A and iron, for 10 weeks. Results:The incidences of vitamin A deficiency, anemia and iron depletion were 0.6%,7.8% and 6.2% in the second trimester respectively. Serum VA level was not changed in three supplemented groups but decreased in placebo group. Hemoglobin in all groups before and after supplementation was in normal range, with no significant differences. The improvement in serum ferritin, free erythrocyte proporphyrin and transferrin saturation was better in the group supplemented with VA+Fe than VA or Fe alone. Conclusion: The simultaneous supplementation of vitamin A and iron is better in improvement of iron status than supplementation of vitamin A or iron alone during pregnancy. Improvement of iron status by simultaneous supplementation of pregnant women with vitamin A and iron was better than supplementation with iron or vitamin A alone.