Under the Government of India National Guidelines for iron supplementation during pregnancy, the recommended daily prophylactic dose of elemental iron given with folic acid is:
- A 200 mg
- B 120 mg
- C 60 mg ✓
- D 30 mg
Correct answer: C. 60 mg
Explanation
Indian national guidelines recommend one tablet containing 60 mg elemental iron plus 400 micrograms folic acid daily for all pregnant women, continued through the postpartum period, along with deworming where indicated. The WHO suggests 30 to 60 mg daily, and 30 mg corresponds to the US CDC recommendation, but the Indian programme standard that examinations follow is 60 mg. Therapeutic doses for established iron deficiency anaemia are far higher, around 180 to 200 mg elemental iron per day.
Reference: DC Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.