Reducing India’s anaemia burden

Anaemia is a condition wherein the red blood cell count in a human body is low. These red blood cells deliver oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of the body and haemoglobin is the protein that carries the oxygen. Below par haemoglobin levels, therefore, lead to an anaemic condition. Dr B. Sesikeran MD, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad says anaemia is a major problem in India, due to low dietary intake, poor availability of iron and chronic blood loss.

Dr Sesikeran says, “Most people disregard fatigue, decreased energy, pale skin or shortness of breath as minor ailments curable with a temporary rest. But these symptoms could well lead to organ damage and pave the way for the onset of an acute anaemic condition.” 

The most common form of anaemia, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, can be well managed through intelligent intake of food and supplements. While medicines in the form of multi-vitamins and iron tablets as well as intravenous treatment are being used to counter anaemia, natural iron can be found in plenty. It exists in eggs (the yolk), fish, legumes (peas and beans), meats (liver is the highest source), poultry, raisins, green leafy vegetables, especially spinach; and whole-grain bread. 

Fortified salt promises to be the most viable solution for the long run.Scientists and researchers are currently looking towards a Double Fortified Salt which takes care simultaneously of two deficiencies, iodine and iron. Salt, the one item used in cooking, logically becomes a preferred choice, once scientifically treated to cure Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Food fortification is one of the most sustainable, cost effective measures to make up for the deficiency of micronutrients in diets, says Dr Sesikiran. “As a sequel to the universal iodization of salt, double fortified salt (DFS) with both iodine and iron was developed by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad as “one intervention controlling two problems”,” he says. 

NIN carried out extensive studies on the development of a suitable DFS formulation, its stability, acceptability, bioavailability, bio-safety and impact. “All these studies confirm that the DFS is stable, biologically available, is acceptable to consumers and is also cost effective,” he says.

NIN carried out extensive studies on stability, safety and impact of DFS, both in experimental and community situations. Large-scale production, operational feasibility of distribution in remote areas and acceptability of DFS in the community, including tribal populations, have also been proved successful. 

Experts say that nutritional deficiency is the main factor behind such a high rate of prevalence in women. A source from a government hospital in Chennai, says, “The sacrificial mentality makes women skip meals and eat after long hours. Some of them who bleed excessively during their periods – a condition called menorrhagia – are at increased risk of anaemia.” 

According to the recently released NFHS 4 report, more than half the children in 10 out of 15 states, including Tamil Nadu, are still anaemic, points out Dr Sesikeran.

Non-communicable diseases are a big problem among children nowadays, more so among girls, points out Dr Sudha Rathna Prabhu, child specialist. She says that an anaemic child with poor eating habits grows up to be an anaemic woman. “It is natural for children to dislike anything that doesn’t taste good according to them. But we could give them ironrich options, like jaggery payasam . Add greens to their rotis, if they are not keen on taking it as a side dish. Health at a young age is very important. The health of one generation is linked to that of the next,” she says.