Moving away from traditional foods hits women badly: Docs

Chennai: City doctors claim that the number of anaemic women in India is much higher than global levels due to a massive decline in intake of iron and vitamin C rich foods. In Tamil Nadu, about 55.4 per cent of women between 15 and 49 years are anaemic. “Globally, the number of anaemic women is over 30 per cent, and it is due to the shift from traditional foods to pizzas and burgers. Our intake of iron-rich green leafy vegetables has declined, and instead of iron vessels, non-stick cookware is being used,” said Dr Dharini Krishnan.

When iron, which is the main constituent of hemoglobin, is low, it affects the supply of other nutrients, which are carried through the blood to different parts of the body. “Adolescents, due to anemia, become tired easily, and this affects their learning capabilities and concentration levels,” said Dr Ravindranath, Doctors Association for Social Equality. “Though most cases are of mild anemia, in the case of pregnant women, severe anemia increase the chances of low birth weight of the newborn, as also the risk of abortion,” he added. “It also hinders the lactation process in the new mothers,” he added.

Due to anemia, the heart has to pump out more blood, which increases the pressure on it, he added, leading to more pressure on it. “In order to facilitate proper absorption of iron in the body, one should ensure proper intake of vegetables and protein rich food, meats if possible. Also needed is a proper intake of vitamin C that ensures that iron is absorbed properly,” said Dr Sharadha
Kumari.