According to a survey carried out in 2006 by National Family Healthy Survey (NFHS), GoI, one out of two women is anemic, with almost 39% of Indian women in the age group of 15-49 years suffering from mild anemia. This literally means that almost 115 million Indian women of the reproductive age are anemic.

A study published by Indian Journal of Community Medicine reveals that supplementation of only iron and folic acid is inadequate to prevent or correct anemia. Other hemopoietic [blood forming] nutrients are equally important in managing it. "In addition to iron, there are other nutrients that prevent or reduce anemia and these include vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin C, folate and proteins. These nutrients are actively involved in the process of blood formation (hemopoiesis) and are termed as hemopoietic nutrients." informs Dr Bhattiprolu Sivakumar, Former Director of the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN).

"Besides consuming appropriate diet, it is also important to take it in an appropriate fashion. Most Indian women do not know the fact that having tea, coffee or colas with the meals inhibits the iron absorption leading to iron deficiency. The Indian staple diet is predominantly cereal / pulse based and contains substances called phytates and tannins, which inhibit the iron absorption. On the other hand, having fresh vitamin C rich fruits and salads with the meals is beneficial since these enhance iron absorption." informs Dr Suneeta Mittal, Head, Deptt of Obs & Gynae, AIIMS. Quite often the vigorous cooking conditions employed in preparing the food as in Indian culinary practice, could destroy the vitamin C and folic acid that are required in iron absorption and utilization. In addition, unhealthy environment and bad hygienic practices compound the problem of anemia. Intestinal infestation with worms and bacteria could deprive the hosts even the modest amounts of iron absorbed and contributes to significant prevalence of anemia.

Taking a regular dose of nutritional supplements containing all the essential hemopoietic nutrients would help to meet the daily requirement of these nutrients.

A website, www.indianwomenshealth.com, dedicated to the health and welfare of Indian women, has been launched with the goal of helping them understand the basics of their health and well being.