ANNEXURE - VII
This information booklet is dedicated to all adolescents those
who are bulding blocks of future generation in order to build
themselves free from anemia.
Introduction:
According to Eric Ericson the human being passes 8
developmental stages through out his life, among all these
developmental stages the most transient period and rapid
growth seen in adolescence. Adolescence has been defined by
the World Health Organization as the period of life spanning
the ages between 10 to 19 years. There are several types of
anaemias present among them iron deficiency anaemia is most
commonly occurring anaemia which is preventable with
minimum effort. The normal range of red blood cells is 4.2 to
5.4 million/cumm in females and haemoglobin is 12 to 14
gm/dl in females. The reduction in the red blood cells and
haemoglobin concentration leads to anaemia.
Definition:
Anaemia is defined as a condition which is caused by
insufficient hemoglobin (<12gm/dl) or red blood cells for a
given age and sex, and characterized by pale conjunctiva,
fatigue, weakness, rapid heart beat, irritability and dizziness.
Incidence:
According to International Center for Research on Women, in
India 55% of total adolescents have anemia.
Causes of anemia in adolescents:
The following are the causes of anaemia:
1. Poor intake of dietary iron
2. Inability to absorb iron due to some diseases of the
gastrointestinal tract
3. Blood loss due to GI cancers and ulcers
Risk factors for anemia in adolescents:
Rapid growth
Heavy blood loss during menstrual periods
Frequent dieting or restricted eating
Vegan or vegetarian eating styles
Meal skipping
Chronic or significant weight loss
Low intake of meat, fish, poultry or iron fortified foods
Low intake of foods rich in vitamin C
Participation in endurance sports(e.g., long distance
running, swimming, cycling)
Intensive physical training
Parasitic infections (Hook warm infestations) and
vector born diseases (Malaria)
Eating disorders such as Pica (early adolescent) and
Anorexia nervosa (late adolescent).
Signs and symptoms of anemia:
The common signs and symptoms of Anaemia are tiredness,
weakness, pale skin and conjunctiva, spoon shape nail, rapid
heartbeat, irritability, decreased appetite, lack of interest, Severe anaemia:
apathetic and easily fatiguable and dizziness. Symptoms vary
depending on the severity of the anaemia and how rapidly it
develops.

Mild anaemia:
Shortness of breath
Painful lower leg cramps
Chest pain, especially if people already have impaired
blood circulation in the legs or certain types of lung or
heart disease.

Diagnosis of anemia in adolescent:

Pale conjunctiva Fatigue & weakness Spoon shaped nails Clinical examination of conjunctiva and tongue for
paleness
Moderate anaemia:

A simple blood test for estimation of haemoglobin

and hemotocrit values. Low levels of hemoglobin
and a low hematocrit (the percentage of red blood
cells in the total blood volume) found in a blood
Faintness
sample confirm the anaemia.
Dizziness
Increased thirst
Sweating
A weak and rapid pulse, and rapid breathing.
 Other tests include stool examination for In case of severe anaemia injectable iron
identifying worms and gynecological examination supplementation and blood transfusion to be performed.
and tests to identify the GI problems.

Side effects of iron therapy:

Treatment of anemia in adolescent:
Constipation or Diarrhea and
For mild anaemia dietary supplementation of Iron Epigastric abdominal discomfort.
Stools become black
Teeth may discolor with liquid iron supplementation
which is reversible

For moderate anaemia with 60mg of elemental iron 1-2

times per day for 90 days and evaluating and correcting
the gynecological problems and worm infestations.

How to manage side effects:

intake of fiber rich foods and plenty of liquids

 take the tablet after food Beans
stools color and teeth discoloration is reversible which Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
is harmless and no need to worry

Prevention of anemia in adolescent: Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots

Iron rich cereals(ragi), breads and pastas
Eating iron rich foods as part of a balanced diet can help
prevent iron deficiency anemia. Recommended dietary Peas
allowance for iron for non pregnant females (13-19 years)
is 15mg/day and for pregnant females is 23mg/day.

Foods rich in iron include:

Red meat
Pork
Poultry Additionally, vitamin C rich foods help the body to absorb iron.
Seafood Good sources of vitamin C include papaya, orange, tangerine,
kiwi, guava, strawberries, green pepper, broccoli, and cabbage.
 Treat and preventing parasitic infections: Tab. Albendazole
400mg, single dose once a year for all the adolescents is
recommended
iron deficiency anaemia must include measures to increase iron
intake through food-based approaches, namely dietary
diversification and food fortification with iron; iron
supplementation and by improved health services and
sanitation.

Conclusion:

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest

wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.
Initiate the public actions such as avoid early marriages
(adolescent marriages), Adolescent pregnancy, gender Hence I request all the adolescent protect their health as well
discrepancy, usage of lavatories and good hand washing. as wealth of their family and community and nation also.

Make the adolescent to participate in health programmes

organized by the government towards adolescents such as
school health programme, adolescent anaemia control
programme, adolescent reproductive health programme and
other nutrition and health programmes.

Summary:

Adolescence is marked by a rapid phase of growth and

development during which the requirement of nutrition and
micronutrients is relatively high. Therefore, adolescents,
especially girls, are vulnerable to iron deficiency. The highest
prevalence is between the ages of 12-15 years when
requirements are at a peak. Interventions to prevent and correct
Adolescence is an age when foundation for better life can
be laid. Let us help youngsters to lay such foundation
through sound health and nutrition education

- ICMR, NEW DELHI