Page 27 - Tata-Trusts-Annual-Report-2022-23

Utilising biochemical criteria to assess novel technologies for

preventing anaemia in pregnant women and women in reproductive
age groups

Due to the low intake and poor bioavailability of iron The study concluded that DFS may be a safe, feasible,
from traditional Indian diets, iron deficiency and a ordable, and sustainable method for improving iron
anaemia are highly prevalent in India, and a ect people intake and Hb status and accelerating India’s progress
of all ages, sexes, and physiological backgrounds. The towards the SDG goal of 50% reduction in the
usage of iron-fortified iodised salt (Double Fortified Salt prevalence of anaemia.
- DFS) has been linked to some improvement in
hemoglobin (Hb) levels in school-aged children. There Women who consented to participate in the study were
are, however, surprisingly few studies on the impact of provided with Calcium and Vitamin D tablets and were
consumption of DFS on women and men. monitored for regularity of supplement intake and side
e ects, if any. At the time of enrolment and
A community-based open three-arm randomised study subsequently, after 12 weeks of supplementation,
was commissioned by the Trusts in 2020 and carried blood samples were drawn and Vitamin D level
out by the Nutrition Foundation of India (NFI), New was calculated.
Delhi, over two years to assess the impact of DFS use on
Hb in women, men, and children. The control group Findings revealed: (a) Among those who were deficient
received iodised salt, and the two intervention groups at enrolment, 53.8% showed improvement and reached
received two formulations of DFS. The socio- levels which are considered as su cient; but nearly half
demographic and nutrition profiles of the families, continued to be deficient; and (b) Among those who
mean Hb, ferritin values and C-reactive protein (CRP) had normal levels (≥ 20mg/ml) at enrolment, 84%
levels of women, men, and children at enrolment remained normal; however, 16%
were comparable in all deteriorated and became
three groups. deficient. It is possible that
the small proportion of women
The adoption of DFS in the who showed deterioration did
diet of the target group over so because of the seasonal fall
6-12 months resulted in: (a) in Vitamin D levels.
A small improvement in the
mean Hb of all members of This was the first-of-its-kind
the family (the improvement standalone research study
in women and children was programme in India and
better than men; overall, findings from the final
the improvement was more report will be useful to
pronounced in anaemic the respective ministries
individuals); and (b) a small and government bodies to
improvement in mean ferritin contribute at the policy-level for larger safety
in women with low ferritin levels. net programmes.

ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 20