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Iron deficiency a neglected area in the country
New Delhi, June 08: Though the problem of iodine and Vitamin A deficiencies have received attention and support in the country, iron deficiency remains a `neglected` area, an expert has said.
New Delhi, June 08: Though the problem of iodine and Vitamin A deficiencies have received attention and support in the country, iron deficiency remains a "neglected" area, an expert has said.
Outstanding progress has been made towards eliminating iodine deficiency and the problem of vitamin a deficiency is being "aggressively" addressed, Prof Umesh Kapil from the Department of Human Nutrition at All India Institute of
Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said.
But, little progress has been made towards elimination of iron deficiency, he said. "Iodine and vitamin a deficiencies receive far greater attention and support due to more intense advocacy efforts by international and bilateral organisations."
Kapil said that it was also due to an erroneous perception amongst the health administrators and planners that effective and practical interventions are not available for preventing iron deficiency.
Thus, despite it`s greater burden on health, iron continues to remain the most "neglected micro-nutrient", Kapil said in the journal `Indian Pediatrics`.
"Evidence indicates that iron deficiency, anemia is associated with impaired performance on a range of mental and physcial functions in children including physical coordination and capacity, mental development, cognitive abilities and social and emotional developments," he said.
Other health consequences include reduced immunity, increased morbidity and increased susceptibility to heavy metal poisoning, he said.
Bureau Report
But, little progress has been made towards elimination of iron deficiency, he said. "Iodine and vitamin a deficiencies receive far greater attention and support due to more intense advocacy efforts by international and bilateral organisations."
Kapil said that it was also due to an erroneous perception amongst the health administrators and planners that effective and practical interventions are not available for preventing iron deficiency.
Thus, despite it`s greater burden on health, iron continues to remain the most "neglected micro-nutrient", Kapil said in the journal `Indian Pediatrics`.
"Evidence indicates that iron deficiency, anemia is associated with impaired performance on a range of mental and physcial functions in children including physical coordination and capacity, mental development, cognitive abilities and social and emotional developments," he said.
Other health consequences include reduced immunity, increased morbidity and increased susceptibility to heavy metal poisoning, he said.
Bureau Report