The article on ‘Impact of Iron-folic acid supplementation on cognitive abilities of school girls in Vadodara’ has thrown light into a very relevant medical and social issue(1). Table I depicts the mean initial and final hemoglobin levels. However, the most important data on how many were anemic and what was the severity of anemia is not included. It is possible that some girls with significant anemia might be having anemia due to causes other than iron deficiency. Also the comparison between the anemic and the non anemic in the cognitive tests is also lacking. These observations can be eye opening data in this respect.

I also have a serious doubt as to how weekly or twice weekly iron can be given in those with diagnosed anemia. Weekly or twice weekly iron is recommended for anemia prophylaxis and not therapy. As per standard recommendations, they need daily iron therapy. Daily iron is documented to be superior to weekly administration(2). A therapeutic dose of 4-6 mg/kg of elemental iron in divided doses is required for optimum amount of iron in iron deficiency anemia(3). How is the administration of weekly iron justified in those with documented anemia?