07.01.03
Indication: Fatigue
Source: BMJ, 2003 May 24;326(7399):1124.
Research: The objective of this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was to determine the subjective response to iron therapy in non-anaemic women with unexplained fatigue. One hundred and forty-four women aged 18-55 were assigned to take either oral ferrous sulphate (80 mg/day of elemental iron daily) or placebo for four weeks. Level of fatigue was measured by a 10 point visual analogue scale.
Results: Ninety-four percent of the women completed the study. Most had a low serum ferritin concentration. Mean age, haemoglobin concentration, serum ferritin concentration, level of fatigue, depression and anxiety were similar in both groups at baseline. Both groups were also similar for compliance and dropout rates. The level of fatigue after one month decreased by 29% in the iron group compared with 13% in the placebo group. Researchers concluded that non-anaemic women with unexplained fatigue may benefit from iron supplementation. However, they qualified, the effect may be restricted to women with low or borderline serum ferritin concentrations.
Source: BMJ, 2003 May 24;326(7399):1124.
Research: The objective of this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was to determine the subjective response to iron therapy in non-anaemic women with unexplained fatigue. One hundred and forty-four women aged 18-55 were assigned to take either oral ferrous sulphate (80 mg/day of elemental iron daily) or placebo for four weeks. Level of fatigue was measured by a 10 point visual analogue scale.
Results: Ninety-four percent of the women completed the study. Most had a low serum ferritin concentration. Mean age, haemoglobin concentration, serum ferritin concentration, level of fatigue, depression and anxiety were similar in both groups at baseline. Both groups were also similar for compliance and dropout rates. The level of fatigue after one month decreased by 29% in the iron group compared with 13% in the placebo group. Researchers concluded that non-anaemic women with unexplained fatigue may benefit from iron supplementation. However, they qualified, the effect may be restricted to women with low or borderline serum ferritin concentrations.