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NCT Number: NCT07798440

Iron-Rich Snack Intervention for Anemia in Adolescent Girls

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of iron-rich snacks in combating anemia among adolescent girls. The study will involve 100 girls aged 16-18 years with mild anemia (Hb 11-11.9 g/dL), randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group will consume two 25-g iron-rich bars daily for 12 weeks, while the control group will continue their regular diet. Hemoglobin and anemia status will be assessed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Data will be analyzed using SPSS, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

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Key information

Conditions

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) Anemia Anemia, Hypochromic Anemia, Iron-Deficiency Hematologic Diseases Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases Iron Deficiencies Iron Metabolism Disorders Metabolic Diseases Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases

Age range

16 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

Location contact

Arfa Nasir, Mphil Food and Nutrition

SUB_INVESTIGATOR

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore

CONTACT

[email protected]

+924299211374

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adolescent girls aged 16-18 years
  • Have mild iron deficiency anemia (Hb=11-11.9g/dl)
  • Enrolled in selected colleges in Lahore
  • Willing to participate for 3 months
  • Available for baseline and post-intervention assessment

Exclusion criteria

  • Moderate and severe iron deficiency anemia requiring medical treatment
  • Currently taking iron supplements
  • Allergy to ingredients in iron rich balls
  • Having chronic GIT disorders
  • Pregnant or lactating

Treatment and study plan

Iron Rich Bars

Dietary Supplement

The proposed iron-rich bar differs from previous interventions through its unique combination of locally available sesame seeds, roasted chickpeas, jaggery, and fenugreek, providing 2.9 mg iron per 25 g bar without pharmaceutical iron fortification. It is a low-cost, culturally acceptable, easy-to-prepare food-based intervention specifically designed for adolescent girls and combined with nutrition education.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Hemoglobin Level (Hb)

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Change in hemoglobin concentration (g/dL) from baseline to the end of the intervention comparing the iron-rich snack group with the control group by using Sahli's hemoglobinometer.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Anemia status

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Anemia status assessed by Hb concentration (g/dl) using Sahli's hemoglobinometer, according to WHO 2024 criteria, cutoff of <12.0g/dl for anemia in non pregnant females aged 15-65 years, mild anemia 11.0-11.9 g/dl, moderate anemia 8.0-10.9 g/dl, and severe anemia <8.0 g/dl.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Arfa Nasir Rasheed, Mphil Food and Nutrition

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923097387787

Dr.Qaisar Raza, Phd

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923002479044

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore - Pakistan

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Combating Anemia Through Iron Rich Snack Among Adolescent Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: IRSA-RCT

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Sep 1, 2026
Registry last updated
Sep 1, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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