Effectiveness, Adherence and Tolerability to Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose in Pregnant Women with Iron Deficiency Anemia: Findings from a Multicenter, Prospective, Single-Arm Study in Angola

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains one of the most common and consequential complications during pregnancy, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where access to well-tolerated iron supplementation remains a challenge. In a multicentre Angolan study involving 189 pregnant women with IDA, treatment with Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose syrup resulted in a significant 15% increase in hemoglobin levels within just 28 days, while 95% of participants reported clinical improvement, particularly reduced fatigue. High treatment adherence (67.7%) and improved tolerability compared to conventional iron supplements further highlighted its potential as an effective therapeutic option in resource-limited settings.

This prospective, multicentre, single-arm study evaluated the efficacy, adherence, and tolerability of Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose syrup (Hemoforce Gravida) among pregnant women diagnosed with IDA across three healthcare centres in Angola. Participants received treatment for 28 days, with hemoglobin levels, symptoms, adherence, tolerability, and quality-of-life outcomes assessed before and after therapy.

The study demonstrated a mean hemoglobin increase of 1.45 ± 0.92 g/dL (p < 0.001), alongside substantial improvements in fatigue and patient-reported quality of life. Gastrointestinal intolerance, a common reason for discontinuation of conventional iron therapies, was less frequently reported with the polymaltose formulation. 
The study concluded that Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose syrup is an effective, well-tolerated, and practical option for managing gestational anemia, particularly in regions with a high anemia burden and limited healthcare resources.