Prevention of iron deficiency anemia (IDA): how far have we reached?

Anemia is a global problem of immense public health significance. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional disorder seen all over the world, more in the developing countries, particularly, affecting young children of 6-24 months of age, adolescents, women of reproductive age group and pregnant/ lactating women. Basic approach in prevention of IDA should include education and associated measures to increase the dietary intake of iron, dietary modification to enhance the iron absorption, fortification of food articles, in addition to control the infection and worm infestations. Supplemenldelim 1, of medicinal iron is key to success which can be achieved by daily or intermittent (biweekly/weekly) administration of oral iron to the target group. Reduction of nutritional anemia should receive top priority through proper planning by using better utilization of existing health infrastructure.