There are several different types of anaemia but anaemia due to iron deficiency is the most common & widespread nutritional disorder in the world. Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when there is a reduced number of red blood cells because the body does not have enough iron to produce them. The numbers are staggering, 2 billion people - over 30% of the World's population - are anaemic. In developing countries every 2nd pregnant woman & about 40% of preschool children are estimated to be anaemic. It is also aggravated in many countries by worm infections, malaria, other infectious diseases such as HIV & tuberculosis etc.The main symptoms are tiredness, lethargy, breathlessness etc but the major health consequences include poor pregnancy outcome, impaired physical & cognitive development, increased risk of morbidity in children & reduced work productivity in adults, bringing serious economic consequences & obstacles to national development. So this problem should be managed properly & seriously.
