Pune: Data shows that six in 10 Indian women have low haemoglobin (Hb) levels, indicating iron deficiency and anaemia. The incidences of anaemia are highest in the 20-50 years age group.
This was revealed by a recent study by RV Metropolis, a chain of pathology labs.
Anaemia is a condition that develops when there is a lack of healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood. RV Metropolis had tested 17 lakh samples of girls and women over a period of two years across India.
In Pune, Metropolis tested 1.32 lakh samples and found four in 10 samples anaemic.
Chief Pathologist at city-based RV Metropolis, Dr Manish Karekar, said that the most common reason for anaemia is a deficiency of iron, which can be taken care of with supplements and good nutrition.
“But in India, women continue to live with anaemia. Menstruating girls and women are more deficient due to the monthly blood loss. The most common signs to watch out for anaemia would be lethargy, unexplained fatigue, pale skin and pale eyes. In children, a more severe form of anaemia is characterized by a behaviour called pica where the child builds a tendency to eat dirt, clay and other unusual substances. This is not harmful behaviour and disappears once anaemia is cured,” said Dr Karekar.
Sharing the importance of haemoglobin, high-risk pregnancy consultant - obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Meenakshi Deshapnde, said that iron levels in the body are extremely important.
“If the child is conceived while the Hb in the mother is on the lesser side, the child may have abnormal growth. The mother can have frequent miscarriages and abnormal conception as well due to less iron in the blood,” said Dr Deshpande.
She added that women, who want to conceive, should undergo mandatory blood check to see if they are anaemic.
