[Therapy of juvenile iron deficiency with bivalent iron dragees (Fe2-fumarate, succinate, sulfate). Controlled double-blind study].

In 53 children with moderate iron deficiency (haemoglobin 7,5 to 12 g/dl) divalent iron salts as tablets (59Fe2+-fumarate, -succinate, -sulfate) were tested versus placebo (controlled double-blind study). Gastrointestinal side effects were most frequently seen with iron succinate (50%) and iron sulfate (25%). Therapeutic success as measured by haemoglobin regeneration was not significantly different among the three iron salts, but significantly more effective than in the placebo group. Children beyond the age of two years mostly refused the application of tablets and should be supplied with liquid preparations.