Lennart Sölvell

ABSORPTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL IRON DURING PREGNANCY‐A LONGITUDINAL STUDY WITH REPEATED BONE‐MARROW STUDIES AND ABSORPTION MEASUREMENTS

Abstract. Iron absorption, bone‐marrow smears and haematological parameters were repeatedly studied during pregnancy in 50 women. The same studies were repeated two months after delivery. The material was randomly divided into two groups. Twenty‐four women were treated with 200 mg of ferrous iron daily while 26 were given placebo. The iron absorption was measured from radioiron‐labelled test doses of 100 mg ferrous iron in a whole‐body counter with high sensitivity.

Copper IUD — Influence on menstrual blood loss and iron deficiency

Abstract One of the most common side effects during the use of IUDs is increased and prolonged menstrual bleeding. This increase in blood loss was verified by estimating the menstrual blood loss in women using the Cu-T 200. There was a significant increase in blood loss in both nulliparous and parous women even one year after the insertion of the IUD. Because of this blood loss, an increased incidence of iron deficiency could be expected. However, no significant changes could be registered in the concentration of haemoglobin, serum iron, or total iron binding capacity. Thus, the food iron absorption seemed to balance the increased iron losses during one year in the studied material of healthy Swedish women.