Incidence of anemia and effect of nutritional supplementation on women in rural and tribal populations of eastern and northeastern India.

Screening of women of child bearing age among the tribal and rural population of different north eastern and eastern states of India was performed. More than 50% of women in some areas were found to have anemia. As part of the study nutritional supplementation was given to a proportion of the anemic population, comparing the effects of Spirulina, a compound containing vitamins and micronutrients and an iron-folic acid-B12 supplement. Follow-up of the cases was done over a period of one year and the impact of supplementation and a comparison of the two compounds made.