Ferrous Sulphate Tablet
|
Elemental Iron Content(estimated at 30%) |
Absorption Rate1 |
Estimated
Absorbed Iron
|
Equivalent number of Spatone sachets required |
|
65mg
|
19.5mg
|
10%
|
1.9mg
|
0.9
|
|
100mg
|
30.0mg
|
10%
|
3.0mg
|
1.5
|
The below assumptions apply:
Assumes patients are iron deficient.
Only 30% of the iron in iron tablets is estimated to be elemental (i.e. available for absorption).
The absorption of conventional ferrous sulphate (iron) tablets is estimated
to be up to 10%1.
Iron bioavailability decreases considerably when the amount taken increases above 100mg.
4 mg of dietary iron is the most that can be absorbed under normal circumstances” (Goodman & Gilman: The Pharmacological basis of Therapeutics).
An adult woman needs to absorb between 1.5-2mg of iron per day.
Spatone bioavailability of 40% is used throughout the comparison.
Note: The above figures are a guide only. Spatone is not being suggested as a blanket replacement for other ferrous sulphate preparations. Consult your Healthcare Professional before stopping any prescribed medicine.
1. D. McKenna (Royal Victoria Hospital) et al. 'a randomised trial investigating and iron-rich natural mineral water as a prophylaxis against iron deficiency in pregnancy' in Clinical and Laboratory Haematology, 2003, 25 99-103