New Delhi: Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, especially for women who often experience unique nutritional challenges due to physiological and social factors. These conditions not only impact women’s health but also have far-reaching consequences on the well-being of their families and communities. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive understanding of the causes, risks, and strategies to improve nutrition among women.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Shruti K. Bhardwaj, Chief Clinical Nutritionist Zydus Hospitals Thaltej Ahmedabad, decoded the key to anaemia treatment and management in women.
Understanding Anemia in Women
Anemia is characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which reduces the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. This results in fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, and can impair cognitive and physical functioning. Among women, anemia is often caused by iron deficiency, though other factors like vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, chronic diseases, or genetic conditions can also play a role.
Iron deficiency anemia is women’s most prevalent form of anemia due to several factors. Menstruation leads to monthly blood loss, which increases the need for iron. Pregnant women are at even greater risk as their bodies require more iron to support the developing fetus and increase blood volume. Inadequate dietary intake of iron-rich foods like red meat, leafy greens, and legumes can exacerbate the problem. Vegetarian and vegan diets may increase this risk if not well-planned to include plant-based sources of iron along with vitamin C to enhance absorption.
The Consequences of Anemia
Anemia in women has significant health consequences. In pregnant women, anemia increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infant mortality. It also affects a woman’s ability to work, as fatigue and weakness reduce productivity, especially in labor-intensive jobs. Severe anemia can lead to complications like heart failure and even death.
Beyond the physical effects, anemia also affects cognitive function. Studies have shown that iron-deficient women may experience difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and a decline in problem-solving abilities. This impacts not only the individual’s daily functioning but can also have broader socioeconomic implications as women’s education and work opportunities are affected.
Malnutrition: A Silent Threat
Malnutrition, which encompasses both undernutrition (deficiencies in essential nutrients) and overnutrition (excessive intake of unhealthy foods), is another critical issue facing women. Malnutrition in women can manifest as stunting, wasting, underweight, or micronutrient deficiencies. Poor dietary diversity, poverty, limited access to healthcare, and cultural practices that prioritize men and children over women for food and healthcare access contribute to malnutrition among women.
Micronutrient deficiencies, also known as hidden hunger, are particularly common. Deficiencies in iron, iodine, vitamin A, and zinc are prevalent in women and can result in weakened immune systems, increased susceptibility to infections, and poor pregnancy outcomes. Overnutrition, on the other hand, is becoming an increasing concern in many parts of the world due to the rise in processed and calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods. Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are consequences of overnutrition that are affecting women at alarming rates.
Tackling the Problem: Nutrition and Health Interventions
Addressing anemia and malnutrition in women requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving access to nutritious foods, education, and healthcare services. The following strategies are essential in tackling these issues:
Nutritional Education: Educating women about the importance of a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamins, and minerals is crucial. This can help them make better food choices and understand the importance of consuming iron-rich foods along with vitamin C to enhance absorption. In communities where dietary diversity is limited, promoting locally available nutrient-dense foods can help bridge nutritional gaps.
Supplementation Programs: Iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the incidence of anemia. In areas where anemia is highly prevalent, fortification of staple foods with iron and other essential nutrients can also be effective in improving iron status at the population level.
Improving Maternal and Child Health Services: Access to healthcare services is crucial in detecting and managing anemia and malnutrition. Regular screening for anemia during prenatal visits allows for early intervention, while maternal nutrition counseling can improve pregnancy outcomes.
Addressing Socioeconomic Barriers: Poverty and gender inequality are root causes of malnutrition. Empowering women economically, improving access to education, and promoting gender equality can help address the underlying social factors that contribute to poor nutrition.
Cultural Awareness: In many cultures, women are the last to eat and often consume smaller portions of food compared to other family members. Changing these cultural norms through community-based programs can ensure that women get the nutrients they need, particularly during critical periods such as pregnancy and lactation.
Anemia and malnutrition among women are significant global health issues with wide-reaching consequences. By addressing these conditions through education, healthcare access, and community interventions, we can improve women’s health and, by extension, the health and prosperity of entire families and communities. Ending the cycle of malnutrition and anemia requires a holistic approach that targets both individual dietary behaviors and broader social determinants of health. FC
Anemia is characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which reduces the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. This results in fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, and can impair cognitive and physical functioning. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
