Experience of using modern oral iron formulations for the correction of iron deficiency conditions in women of reproductive age

Abstract

Aim: To scientifically justify the use of the FERRO-EURIKA™ food supplement as a corrective agent for iron deficiency (ID) in women of reproductive age. Materials and Methods: The study involved 120 women aged 18 to 35 years (median age: 29 years; interquartile range: 24–33 years) with laboratory-con- firmed iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) related to chronic blood loss (ICD-10 N 92.0 – Excessive and frequent menstruation with regular cycles). In addition to evaluating changes in peripheral blood parameters and iron stores, we analysed the participants’ complaints and clinical manifestations of iron deficiency conditions (sideropenic and anaemic syndromes). All subjects were divided into two representative groups of 60 women each. Women of Group 1 (main group, n = 60) received iron bisglycinate 157 mg (equivalent to 30 mg of elemental bivalent iron) in combination with glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate – 740 µg (equivalent to 400 µg of folic acid), one capsule twice daily, 30 minutes before meals, for pathogenetically justified correction of ID conditions. Women of Group 2 (comparison group, n = 60) received ferrous sulfate 247.25 mg (equivalent to 80 mg of elemental bivalent iron), one capsule twice daily, 30 minutes before meals. The treatment duration for both groups was 90 days. Results: We analysed clinical manifestations of iron deficiency conditions and laboratory parameters in women of reproductive age both before the initiation of iron therapy and during correction (on Days 21, 60, and 90 of treatment). Dynamic analysis of clinical symptoms and haematologic indicators in both groups demonstrated a significant decrease in subjective complaints, accompanied by normalization of laboratory parameters, confirming the positive effects of the interventions. Safety and tolerability analyses of the correction of ID conditions were performed to evaluate adherence to long-term iron supplementation among women. An analysis of the causes of treatment discontinuation revealed gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with iron intake: nausea occurred in 5 (8.3%) women of Group 1 and 13 (24.1%) of Group 2; constipation in 2 (3.3%) of Group 1 and 7 (13.0%) of Group 2; and abdominal pain in 2 (3.3%) of Group 1 and 9 (16.7%) of Group 2. These complaints in Group 1 were mild in intensity and resolved by Day 60, allowing all participants in this group to successfully complete the full treatment course. In contrast, gastrointestinal symptoms persisted in Group 2 at Days 60 and 90, resulting in reduced adherence to therapy, with approximately 30% of patients discontinuing further intake of the prescribed iron preparation. Conclusions: 1. The results of the study indicate that the FERRO-EURIKA™ food supplement may be an effective oral agent for correcting iron deficiency conditions in women of reproductive age. 2. The combination of iron bisglycinate and glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate in the composition of FERRO-EURIKA™ contributes to the normalization of haematologic parameters, even at lower doses of iron compared to standard formulations.3. Women who received the FERRO-EURIKA™ food supplement demonstrated better tolerability and a lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects, leading to higher adherence to therapy and successful completion of the treatment course.