Lucky Iron Fish Home Fortification of Iron

Background: Anemia is prevalent in Cambodia, affecting ~44% of women. The causes of anemia are multifactorial. Globally, the most common form is iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which can lead to adverse perinatal health outcomes. In Cambodia, there is evidence that suggests hemoglobinopathies (genetic hemoglobin [Hb] disorders) are prevalent (~50%) and are a major contributor to anemia. In Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, the estimated prevalence of malaria is ~12.3%. Malaria contributes to anemia through a decrease in the production of red blood cells, and an increased destruction of red blood cells.

In Cambodia, iron supplements are recommended to treat anemia, however there is evidence of low compliance among women. The use of cast iron pots has proven to be an effective alternative to prevent and reduce IDA in developing countries. However, cast iron pots are not commonly used in Cambodia because they are expensive, difficult to clean, and heavy. A novel alternative is the Lucky Iron Fish (LIF), which is an iron ingot used during cooking as an in-home fortification system of iron transfer. The LIF ingot is small, lightweight, and easy to clean. Previous research in Cambodia confirmed the acceptance of the LIF to be high, but findings from this study were inconclusive and had several limitations.

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of the LIF to increase Hb concentration in Cambodian women of reproductive age.

Methods: A total of 330 women (18-49 y) with mild or moderate anemia (Hb 80-120 g/L) from rural Preah Vihear, Cambodia will be recruited to one of three arms to receive LIF, 18 mg elemental iron, or a placebo. Women with severe anemia will be excluded and referred for treatment. All three groups will receive nutrition education. Monitoring will be conducted monthly to measure compliance.

A trained, Khmer-speaking interviewer will meet with the women to explain the details of the study as per the consent form. Once consent is obtained the trained interviewer will measure hemoglobin status using a hemocue device to confirm eligibility of the study. If eligible, the trained interviewer will then administer the baseline questionnaire in the participant's home.

The questionnaire will collect demographic data, as well as information on current dietary intake, drinking water treatment, knowledge of iron deficiency anemia, knowledge of malaria, and perceptions of supplement use.

Participants will have a venous blood sample taken at 0, 6, and 12 months and analyzed for hemoglobin and multiple biomarkers of iron status (e.g. soluble transferrin receptor, ferritin, and retinol binding protein (RBP)). Ferritin will be corrected for inflammation using measures of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP, g/L) and C-reactive protein (CRP, mg/L) which are biomarkers of chronic and acute inflammation, respectively.

Genotyping will be conducted to determine the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies among women. The prevalence of malaria in this cohort will be determined using rapid diagnostic test kits for P. Falciparum, and P. Vivax at baseline, midline, and endline.

Potential Significance: The LIF has the potential to be a low cost, effective and simple-to-use product to prevent and reduce iron deficiency anemia in Cambodia.