Ferrous Sulfate Drops Tied to Higher Hemoglobin Increases in Kids with Anemia

By Kelly Young

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

Ferrous sulfate drops lead to greater increases in hemoglobin concentrations than oral iron polysaccharide complex in children with iron-deficiency anemia, according to a small JAMA study funded by a company that makes iron polysaccharide complex supplements.

Roughly 80 children aged 9 to 48 months with nutritional iron-deficiency anemia were randomized to receive daily oral drops of ferrous sulfate or iron polysaccharide complex (15 mg/mL).

Children receiving ferrous sulfate had a greater increase in hemoglobin concentration at 12 weeks, compared with those receiving iron polysaccharide complex (4.0 vs. 3.4 g/dL). In addition, a greater proportion of the ferrous sulfate group had complete anemia resolution (29% vs. 6%). Reports of diarrhea were more common in the iron complex group.

The authors conclude: "Once daily, low-dose ferrous sulfate should be considered for children with nutritional iron-deficiency anemia."