Ferrous Sulfate Effective in Boosting Hemoglobin and Ferritin Levels in Children with Iron Deficiency Anemia: Study Finds
Pakistan: A recent study published in Cureus has highlighted the effectiveness of ferrous sulfate in managing iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children aged 1 to 8 years. The study, led by Dr. Karishma Siraj from the Department of Pediatrics in Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, focused on how this widely used iron supplement influences hemoglobin and ferritin levels in young patients diagnosed with IDA.
Iron deficiency anemia remains a common nutritional disorder in children and poses a serious concern due to its association with impaired physical growth, cognitive delays, and compromised immune function. Despite ferrous sulfate being a commonly prescribed treatment, more evidence has been needed to validate its specific impact on children.
To address this gap, the research team conducted a quasi-experimental study involving 108 pediatric patients diagnosed with IDA. All participants were administered ferrous sulfate for three months. The researchers measured both hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels before the start of treatment and again after three months to evaluate the supplement’s effectiveness.
The key findings include the following:
- Hemoglobin levels increased by an average of 3.11 mg/dl after three months of ferrous sulfate treatment.
- Serum ferritin levels improved by an average of 5.9 ng/ml by the end of the treatment period.
- A significant association was observed between low hemoglobin levels and underweight status in children.
- The findings highlight the importance of nutritional interventions in managing iron deficiency anemia in the pediatric population.
“These results reaffirm the clinical utility of ferrous sulfate as a reliable treatment for pediatric iron deficiency anemia,” the authors noted. “The observed improvements in both laboratory markers and clinical conditions underline the therapeutic value of this supplement.”
However, the study does come with certain limitations. Being a single-center study without a comparison or control group, the findings may not be generalizable to wider populations. Additionally, the relatively small sample size and short follow-up period limit the depth of the conclusions.
Despite these constraints, the research offers promising insights and reinforces the role of ferrous sulfate in improving iron levels among children. The authors recommend that future investigations incorporate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) across multiple centers, larger sample sizes, and longer observation periods to better establish comparative effectiveness and long-term outcomes.
"The study contributes important clinical evidence supporting the use of ferrous sulfate in the pediatric population. Given the high burden of IDA in children globally, effective and affordable interventions such as ferrous sulfate remain vital tools in improving child health outcomes," the authors concluded.
Reference:
Siraj K, Naz F, Mahsood S, et al. (May 26, 2025) Efficacy of Ferrous Sulphate in the Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children. Cureus 17(5): e84826. doi:10.7759/cureus.84826
