Saradha Ramadas

Effect of Health Product on Selected Anaemic Adolescent Girls: Value Added Supplementation for Anaemics Saradha Ramadas

Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) in adolescents continues to be of worldwide concern. Among adolescents in the developing world, iron is the most common single-nutrient deficiency. Iron deficiency anaemia, in adolescent girls may be mainly due to eating habits, socioeconomic factors and menstrual bleeding. Iron deficiency anaemia may lead to serious consequences in adolescent girls who will be future mothers especially during pregnancy. The incidence of iron deficiency amongst adolescents is rising and the awareness regarding anaemia and appropriate diet is extremely poor in adolescents, which is made worse by the lucrative promotional campaigns of various junk foods. Hence nutrition education, supplementation and food fortification may be the strategy to prevent iron deficiency anaemia especially in adolescent girls.