THE EFFICACY EVALUATING OF DATE FRUIT SUPPLEMENTATION ON MATERNAL FATIGUE AND HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS IN THIRD-TRIMESTER ANEMIA: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Hina  Maqbool; Musab Bin Zubair; Iqra Yaqoob

Authors

Hina Maqbool Hamdard University, Pakistan Author
Musab Bin Zubair Rai Medical College, Sargodha, Pakistan Author
Iqra Yaqoob Army Medical College, Pakistan, Author

Keywords:

Anemia, Fatigue, Hemoglobin, Iron–Folate, Pregnancy Trimester Third, Randomized Controlled Trial, Rhus Fruit

Abstract

Background: Maternal anemia in late pregnancy remains a significant concern, contributing to fatigue and adverse maternal outcomes. Conventional iron–folate therapy is effective but often limited by poor adherence and gastrointestinal discomfort. Nutrient-dense date fruits present a culturally acceptable alternative with potential hematological and energy-enhancing benefits.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of daily date fruit supplementation with standard iron–folate therapy in improving hemoglobin levels and reducing fatigue among anemic women in their third trimester.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 110 anemic pregnant women in South Punjab, allocated equally into a date fruit group and an iron–folate group. The intervention lasted four weeks. Hemoglobin levels were assessed using an automated hematology analyzer, and fatigue was measured via the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Data were analyzed using parametric tests following confirmation of normal distribution.

Results: Both interventions resulted in significant improvements. The date fruit group showed a mean hemoglobin increase from 9.1 to 10.4 g/dL, while the iron–folate group improved from 9.0 to 10.1 g/dL. Fatigue scores decreased by 15.3 points in the date fruit group and by 10.3 points in the iron–folate group. Adherence remained above 90% in both groups, and no withdrawals occurred.

Conclusion: Daily date fruit consumption demonstrated hematological and symptomatic improvements comparable to standard iron–folate supplementation. As a culturally accepted, nutrient-rich food, dates may serve as a practical adjunct or alternative strategy for managing third-trimester anemia and associated fatigue.

Author Biographies

Hina Maqbool , Hamdard University, Pakistan

Dietitian, Nutrition and Dietetics, Hamdard University, Pakistan
Musab Bin Zubair , Rai Medical College, Sargodha, Pakistan

Rai Medical College, Sargodha, Pakistan
Iqra Yaqoob , Army Medical College, Pakistan,

MBBS Student, Army Medical College, Pakistan,

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