Efficacy of daily versus alternate day oral iron supplementation for management of anaemia among general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Dhanvijay AD, Patidar V, Singh J, Kumar S, Mudgal SK, Varikasuvu SR, et al.
Published in BMC Pharmacol Toxicol, Vol. 26 (1), pp. 152
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized trials (1,014 participants) of daily versus alternate-day oral iron for anemia, with GRADE certainty ratings.
Key Findings
Daily dosing gave a small, non-significant hemoglobin advantage (mean difference 0.28 g/dL, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.56, p = 0.06). Serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, total iron-binding capacity and MCV did not differ. Adverse effects were similar (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.34), though metallic taste was more frequent with daily dosing.
Conclusions
Both schedules are comparably effective, with alternate-day dosing showing better tolerability; treatment should be individualized.
Limitations
Certainty of evidence was very low for most outcomes because of heterogeneity and imprecision.
Supplements Studied
Both daily and alternate-day oral iron supplementation are comparably effective for treating IDA
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.