Effectiveness of Ferrum phosphoricum 6x in Increasing Haemoglobin Levels in Anaemia among the Women of Reproductive Age Group: A comparative Study

Anemia is a condition where the number of RBCs or their oxygen-carrying capacity decreases to the extent to meet the physiologic needs, and is conventionally taken as a hemoglobin (Hb) value of less than two standard deviations (SD)than the median value for healthy matched population by age, sex, altitude, smoking, and pregnancy status. Among the various causes, nutritional deficiency, especially iron deficiency, is the most common cause of anemia. Regarding the strategies for correcting IDA (Iron Deficiency Anaemia) at the community level, we have a few options available alone or in combination: education combined with dietary modification or diversification, or both, to improve iron intake and bioavailability; iron supplementation and iron fortification or bio-fortification of foods. Oral iron supplementation has limitations, including side effects, non-compliance, and taking a longer time to correct anemia. Homoeopathy can bridge the gap to reduce the burden of IDA due to its acceptability in the general population and cost-effectiveness. Though there are some encouraging pre-clinical as well as clinical trial, evidences favoring the role of Ferrum phosphoricum in IDA, but studies with proper methodology, larger sample sizes and proper statistical evaluation still miniscule in this subject to draw any definite conclusion. Therefore, a double-blind, randomized controlled trial in a pragmatic setup is required to evaluate the efficacy of FP in IDA over the placebo. But before that, it requires clear clarification whether FP will be useful in anaemia (specific) universally or only when applied according to the indications of this medicine.