Incidence of anemia and effect of nutritional supplementation on women in rural and tribal populations of eastern and North-eastern India

Abstract

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.