Post-partum iron deficiency anemia: Prevalence and impact of moringa oleifera leaves powder on hemoglobin levels in postpartum period

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia is a cause of concern for pregnant and lactating mother globally. As per NFHS 5 Data, 52.2% pregnant women (Both Urban and Rural) are anemic in India. Iron Deficiency Anemia is associated with maternal and neonates’ mortality, restricted cognition development, low birth weight babies, Premature babies and majorly stunting which affects the nutritional status throughout the vicious cycle. Postpartum anemia is associated with an impaired quality of life, reduced cognitive abilities, emotional instability, and depression and constitutes a significant health problem in women of reproductive age. Multipronged strategies are required to curtail maternal anemia. Food based approach to prevent anemia is the most sustainable strategy. To investigate the impact of moringa oleifera leaves powder capsules on haemoglobin levels of postpartum mothers. The study was conducted in one of the govt. hospitals of Vadodara District of Gujarat, India and was a part of larger study carried on M Oleifera effects on prolactin levels. An interventional study was carried out amongst 106 postpartum mothers. Fifty-six mothers constituted the interventional group of which 45 mothers did complete compliance and 50 mothers constituted the control group of which 37 mothers did complete compliance of capsules for 30 days. Hemoglobin levels were analysed on day 0 (Baseline) and on day 7 (Endline) post-partum. Data was analysed using independent t test and appropriate statistical analysis.Findings revealed the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia to be 59%in postpartum mothers post-delivery. Mean baseline hemoglobin values for experimental and control group was 10.9 ± 1.4 g/dl and 10.3 ± 1.5 g/dl respectively on day 0 post-partum. The mean end line hemoglobin values for experimental and control group were 12.3 ± 1.5 g/dl and 11.6 ± 1.6 g/dl respectively on day 7 post-partum. The mean rise in haemoglobin levels of experimental group was 1.4g/dl and that of control group was 0.8g/dl which was significant (p=0.00001).Postpartum anemia is a cause of concern.There was a significant impact of Moringa Oleifera Leaves on hemoglobin levels of enrolled lactating mothers. Thus, it can be suggested that Moringa oleifera can be supplemented to lactating mothers’ post-partum to aid curtailing iron deficiency anemia. Improved haemoglobin levels in post-partum mothers may facilitate Exclusive Breastfeeding practices.