Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy
Keywords
Ferrum metallicum, Ferrum phosphoricum, Haemoglobin, Homoeopathy, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, School Children, Serum Ferritin
Article Type
Original Article
Abstract
Background: Anaemia in children has significant adverse health consequences and is a major public health problem. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify efficacy of Ferrum phosphoricum 3X (FP) and Ferrum metallicum 3X (FM) in changing haemoglobin (Hb) levels in school-going children, 12–14 years of age with Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA). Materials and Methods: School children were screened for Hb levels using a portable haemoglobinometer at Noida, Kottayam, Guwahati and Imphal. Children with Hb levels ≤11.9 g% and ≥8 g% were investigated for IDA by measuring serum ferritin level and other parameters. Children enrolled were divided into two categories, i.e., mild (Hb 11–11.9 g%) and moderate anaemia (Hb between 8 and 10.9 g%). Children in both the groups were randomised into FP and FM groups and prescribed accordingly for 3 months. Hb levels were repeated after 3 months. Results: 2,878 children were screened and 792 (27.5%) were identified to have Hb between ≤11.9 g% and ≥8 g%. 102 (mild anaemia: FP-30; FM-29, moderate anaemia: FP-21, FM-22) were enrolled after investigations and consent. Significant increase in Hb was seen in children with moderate anaemia in FP group (9.95 ± 0.749–10.97 ± 1.51). Increase in Hb in other groups was not significant. Conclusion: Percentage of children with low iron reserves and having true IDA was <4%. FP has a potential to improve Hb levels in children with no side effects.
Digital Object Identifier
10.4103/ijrh.ijrh_91_19
Publisher
Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd.
How to cite this article
Khurana A, Mittal R, Rath P, et al. Ferrum phosphoricum 3X and Ferrum metallicum 3X in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in children: Randomized parallel arm study. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2020;14:171-178. doi: 10.4103/ijrh.ijrh_91_19
