Medical Researches
Possibly Effective
Based on 26 Researches
Nutrition education reduces anemiaEffect of nutrition education and iron-folic acid supplementation on anemia among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a quasi-experimental study.
Effectiveness in anemia reduction
We observed the influence of nutrition education and iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation on the levels of anemia among pregnant women in Butajira, Ethiopia. Through a quasi-experimental design over three months, we provided pregnant women with health education based on the Health Belief Model, alongside IFA supplements over a six-week period.
At the end of the study, we noticed a remarkable improvement. The proportion of anemia in women receiving the intervention dropped significantly from 27.8% to just 7.2%. Additionally, the knowledge about IFA supplementation improved notably in the intervention group compared to those who did not receive the same level of education, showing a clear connection between education, adherence to supplementation, and overall hemoglobin levels.
We found that participants who engaged in the educational interventions were more likely to adhere to their IFA supplement regimen—2.26 times more so than those who did not participate. This highlights the vital role that combining community-based education and supplementation can play in tackling anemia during pregnancy and improving maternal health outcomes effectively.
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Our exploration centered on how folate impacts anemia, specifically in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency. We observed that while vitamin B12 is often the star player in reversing anemia symptoms, folate also plays a critical support role.
Despite this, the data from related cases indicated that isolated folate treatment did not provide significant benefits in correcting anemia. The connection between folate and hemolytic anemia became clear, yet treatment focused primarily on reintroducing vitamin B12, suggesting that folate’s contribution might not be as decisive on its own.
This finding emphasizes the importance of comprehensive treatment approaches and the need for health care providers to consider both vitamins in managing anemia. Ultimately, the positive outcomes we identified were closely tied to vitamin B12 administration rather than folate acting independently.
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Vitamin B12 aids anemia recoveryCo-existence of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 3b and undifferentiated connective tissue disease with subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord in children: a case report and literature review.
Moderate relevance of vitamin B12
We investigated how vitamin B12 treatment plays a role in addressing anemia in a young adolescent with complex health issues, including severe anemia, joint problems, and neurological symptoms. This individual presented with a deficiency in vitamin B12, alongside other autoimmune conditions, leading to a diagnosis of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.
The patient's treatment regimen included high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, immunoglobulin therapy, oral naproxen, and vitamin B12 supplementation, among others. We observed that the introduction of vitamin B12 into her treatment plan contributed to combating her anemia effectively. The combination of therapies, especially with vitamin B12, significantly improved her overall health and restored her quality of life.
Our findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment in patients with complex autoimmune issues. Specifically, vitamin B12 emerges as a critical component in managing anemia related to such conditions. While the study is anecdotal, it reinforces the idea that vitamin B12 can be beneficial in improving anemia outcomes in similarly affected patients.
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Grassroots program improves complianceEvaluating the Impact of an Iron Supplementation Program for Combating Anemia in School-Age and Adolescent Females by a Grassroots Organization in India.
Folate's impact on anemia unclear
We evaluated the effectiveness of a grassroots organization’s iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation program aimed at improving anemia levels among school-age and adolescent females in India. The program implemented a peer network approach to educate young females about anemia and encourage compliance with supplementation.
Participants in the study received a one-time anti-helminthic treatment, followed by weekly IFA tablets containing varying amounts of elemental iron and folic acid, based on age groups. Over the four-month period, we assessed hemoglobin levels before and after supplementation to determine its impact.
While the combination of iron and folic acid treatments has been recognized for its beneficial effects in fighting anemia, this specific program highlights the vital role of community-driven initiatives in enhancing health outcomes. Our findings suggest that while iron supplementation alone can have noticeable effects, isolating the specific benefits of folic acid within this context remains challenging.
Ultimately, we believe the involvement of grassroots organizations is crucial in raising awareness and improving compliance with nutritional supplementation programs, thereby helping to combat anemia effectively among children.
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Folate supplementation improves anemiaEffect of School-Based Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Program on the Serum Folate Status of Adolescent Girls in Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.
Study shows significant benefits
We conducted a study to understand how a school-based program offering weekly iron and folic acid supplements affects anemia, particularly focusing on the serum folate levels in adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 in the Sidama Region of Southern Ethiopia.
Our research compared 165 girls from schools participating in the supplementation program to 165 girls from schools without this initiative. We measured the serum folate levels, alongside hemoglobin concentrations, to get a clearer picture of the program's effectiveness.
The results were promising. We observed that the girls receiving the supplements had a significantly higher mean serum folate concentration of 9.76 ng/mL compared to 7.38 ng/mL in those who did not receive the supplementation. Additionally, the hemoglobin levels were higher in the supplemented group, suggesting a positive effect on overall health.
This highlights the importance of the WIFAS program not just for iron levels but also for folate status, indicating a crucial step in tackling anemia in vulnerable populations. We are optimistic that this evidence can help advocate for the program's expansion in areas facing deficiencies in both iron and folate.
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