Anaemia is emerging as a significant public health concern among women in India, with recent studies highlighting alarming statistics. According to a report by Redcliffe Labs, three in five women in India are at risk of anaemia, making them three times more vulnerable than men. This finding has raised concerns about women’s health, particularly as anaemia can have long-term consequences on physical well-being, productivity, and maternal health.
As India moves towards Women’s Day 2025, it is crucial to shed light on the growing prevalence of anaemia among women, its causes, impact, and the need for urgent interventions.
Understanding Anaemia and Its Prevalence
Anaemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen supply to the body’s tissues. The most common type, iron-deficiency anaemia, occurs due to insufficient iron intake, poor absorption, or excessive loss of iron due to menstruation or pregnancy.
Key Findings from the Redcliffe Labs Study
- 3 in 5 women in India are at risk of anaemia.
- Women are three times more vulnerable than men.
- The burden of anaemia is significantly higher in adolescent girls, pregnant women, and women of reproductive age.
- The prevalence is highest in rural areas where nutritional deficiencies, poor healthcare access, and lack of awareness are common.
- Anaemia is often accompanied by thyroid disorders and other lifestyle-related health issues, as highlighted by multiple studies.
Why Are Women More Prone to Anaemia?
Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of anaemia among women in India:
- Menstrual Blood Loss: Regular blood loss during menstruation increases the risk of iron deficiency.
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: The demand for iron rises during pregnancy, making women vulnerable to anaemia.
- Poor Dietary Habits: Lack of iron-rich foods in daily diets, particularly in vegetarian households, worsens the condition.
- Lifestyle Disorders: Thyroid imbalances and other metabolic conditions can lead to anaemia.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Limited access to healthcare, poverty, and lack of awareness about nutrition affect women disproportionately.
Health Impact of Anaemia on Women
Anaemia is not just about fatigue or weakness—it has far-reaching consequences:
- Reduced Work Productivity: Chronic fatigue lowers energy levels, affecting daily activities and economic productivity.
- Complications During Pregnancy: Anaemia during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, premature delivery, and increased maternal mortality.
- Cognitive Impairment: Lack of oxygen supply to the brain can affect concentration, memory, and learning abilities.
- Increased Risk of Infections: A weakened immune system makes women more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
The Need for Universal Anaemia Screening in India
Experts from ETHealthWorld have emphasized the importance of universal anaemia screening to detect cases early and prevent complications. Behavioural interventions and nudging strategies can help encourage women to undergo regular health check-ups.
The Indian government has initiated several programs, such as:
- Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): A nationwide initiative to reduce anaemia prevalence through iron-folic acid supplementation, deworming, and awareness campaigns.
- POSHAN Abhiyaan: A nutrition-focused program to combat anaemia among adolescent girls and pregnant women.
- Free Iron & Folic Acid Supplementation in Schools: Targeting school-going girls to prevent anaemia from an early age.
Despite these efforts, gaps remain in implementation, and more aggressive awareness and screening programs are needed.
How Can Women Prevent Anaemia?
Women can take several steps to prevent and manage anaemia:
1. Improve Dietary Habits
- Consume Iron-Rich Foods: Include leafy greens (spinach, kale), lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds, and animal sources (eggs, fish, meat).
- Vitamin C for Better Absorption: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and tomatoes help in iron absorption.
- Avoid Tea & Coffee with Meals: These inhibit iron absorption from plant-based sources.
2. Regular Health Check-Ups
- Get tested for hemoglobin levels at least once a year.
- Pregnant women should undergo routine anaemia screening and take prescribed iron supplements.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
- Engage in physical activity to improve overall circulation.
- Manage stress and thyroid health, as both can contribute to anaemia.
4. Government & Community Support
- Participate in awareness campaigns on anaemia and nutrition.
- Encourage young girls and pregnant women to seek medical advice early if symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, or dizziness occur.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action
The rising prevalence of anaemia among Indian women is a serious public health challenge that demands immediate attention. While government programs and medical interventions exist, community participation, awareness, and lifestyle modifications are key to tackling this crisis.
On Women’s Day 2025, let’s pledge to take better care of women’s health by promoting nutritional education, regular health check-ups, and universal screening programs. Empowering women with knowledge and resources will not only improve their well-being but also contribute to a healthier and stronger society.
Top 20 FAQs on Anaemia in Women in India
1. What is anaemia?
Anaemia is a condition where the body has a lower-than-normal level of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen supply to tissues.
2. Why are women more prone to anaemia than men?
Women are at higher risk due to menstrual blood loss, pregnancy, poor nutrition, and higher iron requirements compared to men.
3. What are the common symptoms of anaemia?
Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, cold hands and feet, and headaches.
4. How does iron deficiency cause anaemia?
Iron is essential for hemoglobin production. A deficiency leads to lower hemoglobin levels, reducing oxygen supply to the body.
5. What are the different types of anaemia?
- Iron-deficiency anaemia (most common)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia
- Folic acid deficiency anaemia
- Aplastic anaemia
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Hemolytic anaemia
6. How is anaemia diagnosed?
Through a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count.
7. What is the normal hemoglobin level for women?
Normal hemoglobin levels range from 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL for adult women.
8. Can anaemia cause complications in pregnancy?
Yes. It can lead to low birth weight, premature delivery, maternal mortality, and developmental issues in babies.
9. What are the best iron-rich foods for women?
Spinach, lentils, chickpeas, red meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, fortified cereals, and fish like salmon.
10. Does vitamin C help with iron absorption?
Yes, vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers) improves iron absorption in the body.
11. Can drinking tea or coffee worsen anaemia?
Yes. Tea and coffee contain tannins, which inhibit iron absorption. Avoid consuming them with meals.
12. How is anaemia treated?
Treatment depends on the cause but may include iron supplements, dietary changes, vitamin B12 or folic acid supplements, and treating underlying conditions.
13. How can women prevent anaemia?
By consuming a balanced diet rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, taking iron supplements if necessary, and undergoing regular health check-ups.
14. Are vegetarian women at higher risk of anaemia?
Yes, as plant-based iron (non-heme iron) is less easily absorbed than animal-based iron. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods helps improve absorption.
15. What government programs exist to tackle anaemia in India?
- Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)
- POSHAN Abhiyaan
- Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation Program for adolescent girls and pregnant women
16. Can anaemia affect mental health?
Yes, anaemia can cause brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and mood swings due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain.
17. Is anaemia a serious condition?
If left untreated, anaemia can lead to severe fatigue, heart problems, complications in pregnancy, and weakened immunity.
18. Can thyroid disorders cause anaemia?
Yes, hypothyroidism can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia by affecting iron absorption and red blood cell production.
19. How often should women get tested for anaemia?
Women should undergo a hemoglobin test at least once a year, especially if they have heavy periods, are pregnant, or experience symptoms.
20. What are the best lifestyle changes to prevent anaemia?
Eat an iron-rich diet, avoid excessive caffeine, stay active, manage stress, take supplements if needed, and prioritize regular check-ups.
