Clinical Research Directory

Prevalence and Impact of Micronutrient (Iron-Folic Acid) Deficiencies on the Health of Adolescent Girls in Coastal Areas of Bangladesh

Anemia and iron-folic acid (IFA) deficiencies are major nutritional concerns among adolescent girls in environmentally vulnerable coastal communities of Bangladesh. However, evidence on anemia prevalence and health outcomes in relation to iron-folic acid (IFA) supplement receipt remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to assess IFA deficiency-related health problems and the impact of IFA supplementation on hematological, nutritional, and overall health outcomes among adolescent girls in coastal Bangladesh Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted among 440 adolescent girls from Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Noakhali, and Cox's Bazar districts of Bangladesh. In each district, 60 participants were assigned to the IFA intervention group and 60 to the control group. The intervention group received IFA for three months, with assessments of hemoglobin, anemia, nutritional status, and health outcomes.