Define about the Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA)?
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the world, particularly in the developing countries like India. Estimates suggest that as many as 4-5 billion people i.e. 66-80% of the world's population, may be iron deficient; 2 billion people i.e. over 30% of the world's population are anaemic. 'Anaemia occurs when haemoglobin (a pigment that gives red colour to the red blood cells) production is considerable reduced, leading to a fall in its level in the blood. Mostly anaemia is due to iron deficiency. The other causes of anaemia may include folate and vitamin B12 deficiency or anaemia of chronic diseases. Iron deficiency and anaemia reduce the work capacity of individuals and entire populations, bringing serious economic consequences and obstacles to national development. For children, health consequences include premature birth, low birth weight, infections and elevated risk of death. Later physical and cognitive development is impaired, resulting in lowered school performance. For pregnant women, anaemia contributes to 20% of all maternal deaths. Iron deficiency affects more people than any other condition, constituting a public health condition of epidemic proportions, so then let us get to know about iron deficiency and anaemia. We begin with the signs and symptoms of IDA.