Abstract

The association between hematological parameters and pregnancy outcomes has been of great significance from a very long time. These hematological indices respond well to nutritional intake and micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy. The purpose of this case control study was to underpin the effect of fortified milk (Ensure) on hematological parameters during pregnancy in a comparative study for 3.0 months. The population in this study were all adult pregnant women (n=8) divided into two equal groups, a control group including women who were not taking fortified milk and an intervention group including the women who were taking fortified milk. Accordingly, blood Hb level in the experimental group was found to be 11.975 g/dL versus in the control group was 10.4 g/dL, while mean RBC level (per uL) in the experimental group was 4.375 x106 versus in control group was 3.975 x106. Non-significantly rise in leukocytes (per uL) concentration was observed in 9.072 x 103 in experimental group compared with control group 7.737 x 103. Although blood indices were improved in the intervention groups but further studies should be carried out including larger sample size to confirm our initial observation.