18th January 2025 (10 Topics)
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Changing Understanding of Anaemia
Context
Anaemia in India has long been believed to be primarily caused by iron deficiency, but a new study has shown that this view might be too narrow. The study suggests that factors such as Vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, and even air pollution might also be contributing to the high levels of anaemia in India.
Key-highlights of the Study
The study, involving over 4,500 people from 8 Indian states, found that:
- Iron deficiency isn’t the only cause: Only 9% of the participants had iron-deficiency anaemia.
- A significant portion of the anaemia cases (about 22%) were caused by unknown factors. This could include Vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, blood disorders, or environmental issues like air pollution.
- Anaemia Prevalence:
- According to the NFHS-5, anaemia has worsened in India, especially among women and children, even with years of interventions like iron supplementation.
- High Anaemia in Some Regions: In states like Assam, the prevalence of anaemia was very high (50-60%), but iron deficiency was much lower (only about 18%). This suggests other factors, like poor hygiene or malnutrition, could be playing a role in the region.
What is Anaemia?
- Anaemia occurs when the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin.
- Hemoglobin is the main protein in red blood cells. It carries oxygen, and delivers it throughout body. It is essential for transporting oxygen to different parts of the body.
- Without enough RBCs or hemoglobin, a person can experience symptoms like weakness, fatigue, paleness, and dizziness.
- Anaemia may be caused by several factors. The most common nutritional cause of anaemia is iron deficiency although deficiencies in folate, vitamins B12 and A are also important causes.
Fact Box:Government Initiatives to Combat Anaemia and Malnutrition in India
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