Revisiting Anaemia in India: Beyond Iron Deficiency

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

A recent study challenges the traditional notion that iron deficiency is the primary cause of anaemia in India. Published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study, funded by the Department of Biotechnology, highlights other significant factors like Vitamin B12 deficiency, air pollution, and methodological issues in anaemia diagnosis.

About Anaemia:

Anaemia is a condition caused by a lack of sufficient red blood cells (RBC) or haemoglobin in the blood.
Conventional approaches have focused primarily on iron deficiency as the primary cause of anaemia, leading to interventions like iron supplementation and bio-fortification of staple foods.
The latest study reveals that only 9% of anaemic individuals tested could be classified as having iron-deficiency anaemia. A significant 22% were classified under “unknown causes” of anaemia.

Factors Contributing to Anaemia Beyond Iron Deficiency:

Deficiencies in Vitamin B12, folate, or other erythropoietic (blood-producing) nutrients.
Hemoglobinopathies: Genetic conditions affecting haemoglobin structure or production.
Air pollution and unhygienic living conditions contribute to the high prevalence of anaemia.
Chronic blood loss due to various health conditions may also be a significant contributor.

Study Details:

Venous blood haemoglobin concentrations were measured in 4,500 participants from eight states across India.
Overall, 34.9% of participants were found to be anaemic.
Prevalence of anaemia among women (aged 15-49): 41.1% (compared to 60.8% in NFHS-5).
Prevalence among adolescent girls (15-19 years): 44.3% (compared to 62.6% in NFHS-5).
Venous blood sampling likely reduced false positives in anaemia diagnosis.

Venous Blood Sampling:

Venous blood sampling is a method of drawing blood directly from a vein, typically using a needle and a vacuum-sealed tube or syringe.
A tourniquet is applied to the arm to make veins more prominent.
Blood is taken from veins, offering a mix of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.