[Evaluation of the effects of intermittent iron supplement on iron-deficiency anemia in children].

A three-month iron supplement trial was conducted in 238 preschool children, who were divided randomly into three groups supplemented with oral administration of iron preparation at the same dose everyday, every other two days, and each week, respectively, to avoid low-absorption and side-effects of oral iron preparation and to evaluate its preventive and treatment effects and side-effects. Results showed individual iron-supplement by once every other two days or each week was efficient as same as by once everyday in improving anemia and increasing serum ferritin level. It can also reduce transient iron overload and gastrointestinal side-effects caused by daily iron supplement.