Methods: In a prospective double blind randomized controlled study, 100 antenatal patients primi or multlgravida with singieton pregnancy between 14 wks - 30 wks gestational age with hemoglobin of 7-H)gm /dl and investigation showing iron deficiency anemia were randomly allocated to 2 groups a - ferrous fumarate and group b - carbonyl iron. Detailed history including diet history was taken and general abdominal examination was done. Baseline investigation, HB, PCV, S. ferritin, peripheral smear, MCH , MCHC, MCV, TIBC, done and repeated after 4 and 8 weeks of drug intake.