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MANAGEMENT OF THE TREATMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA WITH ORAL IRON IN ADULTS: COMPARISON BETWEEN DAILY AND ALTERNATE-DAY ADMINISTRATION

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20873/saberesemcirculacao1

Keywords:

Hepcidin, Therapeutic adherence, Gastrointestinal effects, Primary care

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent form of anemia worldwide, often associated with low dietary intake, chronic blood loss, or poor iron absorption. Standard treatment is based on oral iron replacement, traditionally administered in daily doses. However, recent studies suggest that administration on alternate days may optimize intestinal absorption and reduce adverse gastrointestinal effects, promoting therapeutic adherence. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of treating iron deficiency anemia in adults using oral iron on a daily basis versus on alternate days. A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, based on searches in multiple databases using the descriptors “Iron-Deficiency Anemia” AND “Oral Iron” AND “Hemoglobin” and their synonyms, considering publications from the last decade. The final sample, after eligibility criteria, included five randomized clinical trials with a total of 520 participants. The results of the meta-analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the regimens in increasing hemoglobin levels. However, a lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects was observed in the alternate-day regimen, suggesting a potential clinical advantage in terms of tolerability and adherence. This study contributes to reinforcing the role of alternate-day oral iron as an effective and safe therapeutic alternative, especially relevant in primary care and public health settings.

Published

2025-12-19

Versions

How to Cite

Diniz, Y., Justino da Silva, A., & Nunes Alves de Sousa, M. (2025). MANAGEMENT OF THE TREATMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA WITH ORAL IRON IN ADULTS: COMPARISON BETWEEN DAILY AND ALTERNATE-DAY ADMINISTRATION. DESAFIOS - Revista Interdisciplinar Da Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, 12(7), 124–145. https://doi.org/10.20873/saberesemcirculacao1

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