Efficacy and Safety of Microsomal Ferric Pyrophosphate Supplement for Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy

Cureus. 2024 Mar 28;16(3):e57108. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57108. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Introduction Anemia during pregnancy is characterized by decreased hemoglobin levels. Iron deficiency poses a significant global health concern, especially in pregnant women, where increased iron demands are crucial for both maternal and fetal well-being. Method In the current study, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of 30 mg SunActiveTM Fe (Taiyo GmbH, Yokkaichi, Japan), emulsified microsomalTM ferric pyrophosphate (EMFP) tablets in treating iron deficiency anemia in 27 second-trimester singleton pregnant women. Results Our study results demonstrated that hemoglobin levels increased significantly within 30 days of treatment and continued to remain higher than baseline throughout the study. Serum ferritin levels exhibited a 6.61-fold increase, maintaining elevated levels consistently. Serum iron also increased significantly by 46.9%. Additionally, symptoms such as nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, irritability, and heartburn were notably reduced, leading to improved quality of life. Subjects reported decreased overall fatigue, indicating an enhanced quality of life. Babies born during the study showed healthy birth weights, with uncomplicated deliveries. High treatment compliance of 99.5% underscored patient commitment to the study. Furthermore, the investigational product demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with only two mild adverse events observed, unrelated to the treatment. Conclusion These findings suggest that EMFP could be a valuable therapeutic option for managing iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women, promoting better maternal and fetal outcomes. Further research with an increased sample size is warranted to delve into the underlying mechanisms behind these positive outcomes, nonetheless, our study provides a promising foundation for addressing this critical health issue.

Keywords: ferritin; hemoglobin; iron deficiency anemia; microsomal ferric pyrophosphate; pregnancy; second trimester.