Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on the Hematological Indices in Women Presented with Iron Deficiency Anemia: An Open‑Labeled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Vitamin D inhibits erythropoiesis in healthy, young individuals, despite its positive effect on the absorption of iron. This study aimed
to investigate the effects of Vitamin D supplements as add‑on therapy on the hematological indices of adults presented with iron deficiency
anemia (IDA). Materials and Methods: Eighty-two women aged 20–45 years with IDA were recruited from Shar Teaching Hospital and
the Center of Blood Diseases in Sulaimani city, North Iraq. The patients were grouped into Group I (n = 35) treated with elemental iron and
Group II (n = 47) treated with elemental iron plus Vitamin D3 supplements(oral dose of 300,000 IU every 2 weeks), for 8 weeks. Hematological
indices and the serum ferritin were determined before the treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment. Results: Vitamin D3 supplements
significantly elevate the total white cell count and decreased platelet indices values. It decreased the platelet‑to‑lymphocyte ratio significantly
from 123.24 ± 32.00 to 107.68 ± 30.06, P < 0.001. The serum ferritin level did not normalize after 8 weeks of treatment with elemental iron
and Vitamin D3 supplements. Conclusions: Vitamin D3 supplement as the add-on therapy is less effective in IDA, and it impacts negatively
against the blood platelet indices.