Anaemia is a condition wherein the red blood cells or the hemoglobin count in the blood is less than normal. If a person has less than 13.5 gram hemoglobin/100 ml blood (in men) or less than 12gram hemoglobin per 100ml blood (in women) a person is defined as anaemic. Experts at the inaugural ceremony of the of the three-day World Congress on Adolescent Health noted that over half of India's adolescents suffer from anaemia.
According to official WHO, "the data from India indicates that the diets of girls aged between 13-18 years provide much lower level of iron than the diets of boys in the same age group. Low consumption of nutrients by adolescents reported from India indicates that over 50% adolescent girls consumed less than 50% RDA for energy while over 70% girls consumed less than 50% RDA of iron." As mentioned in Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adolescents, a WHO South-East Asia report.
Diet and Iron Deficiency
Your diet plays a pivotal role in keeping you healthy. Including more iron-rich foods in your daily meals may keep your from becoming iron deficient and may help up your levels in case of a deficiency. Green leafy veggies, apples, beetroot, whole eggs, raisins, amla, jaggery and pomegranate among others are some of the top sources of iron. Increase your vitamin C intake as the vitamin helps in better absorption of iron. Ensure having enough folic acid as lack of it may also trigger anaemia. Also, excessive consumption of caffeine, aerated drinks, alcohol and sugary beverages may inhibit proper absorption of iron in the body, therefore monitor your intake.
