title: Government-industry partnership in weekly iron-folic acid supplementation for women of reproductive age in the Philippines: impact on iron status.
abstract: The effectiveness of weekly iron-folic acid supplements promoted through a government-industry partnership was assessed in pregnant and non-pregnant women in the Philippines. Compliance to both weekly and daily supplementation increased during the year-long study period, but was highest with weekly supplementation. Serum ferritin and hematocrit increased significantly, whereas the hemoglobin level showed minimal change, probably because of lack of other heme-forming nutrients such as vitamin A. Serum ferritin increments were significantly higher in women taking the iron-folic acid supplements for more than 6 weeks. Weekly iron-folic acid supplementation should be recommended as a preventive strategy to control iron deficiency among reproductive-age women in the Philippines.
authors.affiliation: Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig, Manila, Philippines. iaa@fnri.dost.gov.ph
authors.forename: Imelda
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Angeles-Agdeppa
authors.forename: Lourdes S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Paulino
authors.forename: Adelisa C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Ramos
authors.forename: Unita Marie
authors.initials: UM
authors.lastname: Etorma
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cavalli-Sforza
authors.forename: Silvano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Milani
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000329:Advertising; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006078:Government Programs; D006269:Health Facilities, Proprietary; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019266:Iron, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010679:Philippines; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000517:prevention & control; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D019266:Iron, Dietary; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid