Undernutrition with Special Reference to Iron-deficiency Anemia in Reproductive Age Group Females in Pakistan

Abstract

Undernutrition, especially micronutrient deficiency is one of the major but least addressed Global health issues. Globally 22% of maternal deaths and 24% of perinatal deaths account for Iron deficiency Anemia. One-fifth of females in Pakistan are suffering from anemia. It accounts for 19.3% of births of newborns that are small for their gestational age and 25% of babies born with low birth weight in Pakistan. Reproductive age group females’ especially pregnant females of the underprivileged rural populations are more prone to develop iron deficiency due to increased physiological requirements or administration of substances acting as inhibitors. But increased usage of substances that act as adjutants can fulfill the physiological requirements of pregnancy. This review aims to explain the roles of different Nutraceuticals in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia, especially in reproductive age group pregnant females.