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Introduction: Anemia is a major health problem worldwide more importantly in India, mostly in rural areas. It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in pediatric age group. The term ‘Nutritional anaemia” encompasses all pathological conditions in which the blood haemoglobin concentration drops to an abnormally low level, due to deficiency in one or several nutrients. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of nutritional anaemia worldwide. Folic acid deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency are less widespread. It is important to know the clinical manifestations andhaematological changes in children with nutritional anaemia to define the correct management approach. Aims and objectives: 1)To study the causes of nutritional anaemia in children 2) Clinical & haematological evaluation of nutritional anaemia in correlation with biochemical studies in children. Materials and Methods: A 2 years prospective study was done on 100 children with anemia in the department of pathology, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences for a period of 2years from January 2022 to December 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia, characterized by a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin, results in insufficient tissue oxygenation. Nutritional anemia, a prevalent issue in countries like India, particularly affects adolescents and women of reproductive age. Adolescence, crucial for adult development, imposes heightened nutritional demands. Iron deficiency, a common cause of anemia in young females, is associated with compromised leucocyte bactericidal activity. This study explores the impact of anemia on leucocyte and platelet counts. Methodology: The study involved 40 females (18-24 years) with Hb>12gm% in the control group and anemic females (Hb<6gm%) from SLN Hospital. Informed consent was obtained, and subjects were selected based on history and examination. Hemoglobin, leucocyte count, differential count, platelet count, and the L ratio were measured using an electronic cell counter. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics and SPSS, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: In anaemic females, the mean hemoglobin was 5.81±1.71, significantly lower than the control group (13.61±1.09). Total leucocyte count was higher in anaemia, with a significant rise in neutrophils and a decrease in monocytes and eosinophils. Platelet count significantly decreased, and the N/L ratio was higher in anaemia (p<0.01). Discussion: Nutritional anemia remains prevalent, impacting physical and mental well-being, especially in children and reproductive-age women. Iron's role in blood cell maturation is vital, and its deficiency compromises immune cell activity. The study aligns with prior research on increased neutrophils in anemia. Lower oxidative stress prolongs neutrophil lifespan, compensating for reduced phagocytic activity. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is associated with reversible arachidonic acid-induced platelet dysfunction, emphasizing the importance of iron replenishment. The study concludes that anemia induces hypoxia, contributing to inflammation, ischemic damage, increased myocardial workload, thrombocytopenia, altered leucocyte counts, and an elevated N/L ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sublingual methylcobalamin for the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in children. Methods: A single arm intervention study was conducted between November, 2020 and April, 2022 in children aged 1–12 years with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Children aged 1–6 years received a tablet of methylcobalamin (1500 mcg) by sublingual route every alternate day (three doses) while those aged 7–12 years received five such doses. Thereafter, one such sublingual tablet was given weekly and all participants were followed-up for 6 weeks. Results: 37 children with a mean (SD) age of 8.2 (4.1) years were treated and followed-up. On day 10, no child needed rescue therapy with parenteral methylcobalamin. After 6 weeks, the mean (SD) serum cobalamin increased from 123.3 (35.5) pg/mL to 507.3 (274.2) pg/mL (P<0.001), plasma homocysteine decreased from 48.9 (17.8) µmol/L to 16.3 (8.5) µmol/L (P<0.001), the mean (SD) hemoglobin increased by 2.3 (1.1) g/dL (P<0.001), and MCV decreased by 12.9 (6.8) fL (P<0.001). 67.6% children persisted to have anemia, albeit majority of them had mild or moderate anemia. There were no unsolicited side-effects reported. Conclusion: Sublingual methylcobalamin is effective for the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in children; although, the duration of treatment needs to be longer than six weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anemia is a major public health concern. Young children, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant women are among the most vulnerable. Anemia is the consequence of a wide range of causes, including biological, socioeconomic, and ecological risk factors. Primary causes include: iron deficiency; inherited red blood cell disorders; infections, such as soil‐transmitted helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, and malaria; gynecological and obstetric conditions; and other chronic diseases that lead to blood loss, decreased erythropoiesis, or destruction of erythrocytes. The most vulnerable population groups in low‐ and middle‐income countries are often at the greatest risk to suffer from several of these causes simultaneously as low socioeconomic status is linked with an increased risk of anemia through multiple pathways. Targeted and effective action is needed to prevent anemia. Understanding the causes and risk factors of anemia for different population subgroups within a country guides the design and implementation of effective strategies to prevent and treat anemia. A coordinated approach across various expert groups and programs could make the best use of existing data or could help to determine when newer and more relevant data may need to be collected, especially in countries with a high anemia burden and limited information on the etiology of anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancytopenia in children with celiac disease (CeD) is postulated to be due to nutritional deficiency such as vitamin B12, folate and copper or an autoimmune process resulting in aplastic anemia with hypoplastic marrow. In the present case series, we report the profile and explore the etiology of pancytopenia among children with CeD. There are only a few case reports of pancytopenia in children with CeD. We enrolled newly diagnosed cases of CeD and pancytopenia presenting in the celiac disease clinic over three years. Detailed evaluation was carried out for the cause of pancytopenia. We followed up on the cases for compliance and response to gluten-free diet at three months, six months and 12 months. Twenty patients were eligible for inclusion. They were divided into two groups: one with aplastic anemia with hypoplastic marrow labeled as Gp CeD-AA and the other with megaloblastic/nutritional anemia labeled as Gp CeD-MA. Patients in Gp CeD-MA presented with classical symptoms of CeD as recurrent diarrhea, abdomen distension, pallor and poor weight gain. They had none or just one transfusion requirement and had an early and complete recovery from pancytopenia. Patients in Gp CeD-AA presented with atypical symptoms such as epistaxis, short stature, fever, pallor and weakness. They had a multiple blood transfusion requirement and had delayed and partial recovery from pancytopenia. Pancytopenia is not a disease in itself but is the presentation of an underlying disease. It can occur due to various coexisting disorders in children with CeD, which can be as simple as nutritional deficiencies to as complex as an autoimmune process or malignancy. CeD should be included in the differential diagnosis of aplastic anemia as CeD and aplastic anemia both have a similar pathological process involving T cell destruction of tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Anemia is one of the major public health problem more commonly encountered in both developed as well as developing countries1 . Various causes for anaemia are nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases and chronic blood loss. Nutritional anemia is the most widespread nutritional disorder in the world affecting 500 million to 1 billion individuals4 . The most vulnerable population for nutritional anaemia is Adolescents aged 10-19 years. Most of the anemia initiatives are directed towards maternity and early childhood, there is not much attention shown towards adolescent population. This study was conducted to throw light on attitude towards nutritional anemia among undergraduate medical students by using Health belief model. Study Methodology: This study was conducted in a private medical college at Chengelpet district of Tamil Nadu. 122 students from first year were selected by using universal sampling method. A self administered questionnaire comprising of two parts was used to collect data, first part was general information about the participants and second part were questions under five factors of Health benefit model. Result:Mean value of perceived benefit was 3.2+1.54, perceived barrier was 1.7+0.47, perceived self efficacy was 2.69+1.14 interpersonal influence was 2.45+0.73 and situational influence was 2.26+1.2. Nearly 82.8% had perceived benefit on highest scale, 76.2% had perceived barrier on a moderate scale and 52.5% had perceived self efficacy on a moderate scale. Conclusion: The study participants with high self efficacy were able to overcome the barriers and perceive benefit of reduced risk in acquiring nutritional anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Iron deficiency anemia is the most widespread, preventable, and treatable cause of anemia in children. Potential causes of iron deficiency anemia are prolonged breastfeeding with poor quality of introduced solid food and the use of whole cow milk instead of iron-rich formula. We describe 2 unusual cases of nutritional iron deficiency anemia with profound low level of hemoglobin around 1 g/dl, with similar diagnosis and different hospital course. Case Reports: First case: A 20-month-old Saudi boy presented with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. He was noted to be very pale, with extremely low hemoglobin value of 1.1 g/dl. His nutritional status mostly consists of breastfeeding, with poor iron-rich food. He was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with a complicated hospital course of reversible cardiomyopathy and gut involvement. Second case: A 26-month-old Saudi girl presented with complaints of severe pallor and fatigability for 2 months, with critical result of extreme low level of hemoglobin 1.2 g/dl. A detailed nutritional history revealed being exclusively on pasteurized cow's milk with no solid food intake for 6 months. Conclusions: Neglected cases of nutritional iron deficiency anemia may lead to profoundly low levels of hemoglobin. Possible manifestations include heart failure and gastrointestinal involvement in the form of leaky gut syndrome or exudative enteropathy. IV iron therapy was a very effective treatment in both patients. To our knowledge, probably no reported cases of severe iron deficiency anemia reaching this extremely low level of hemoglobin with multiple associated complications exist in the pediatric literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of cognitive and motor skills early in life is essential for a child's global development and learning, which in turn influences later health and well-being. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the associations between sociodemographic factors and nutritional factors with cognitive and motor delays in infants aged 6–12 months. This study involved 200 mother-infant pairs from three randomly selected maternal and child health clinics. Results showed high prevalence of cognitive delay (37.0%) and motor delay (58.0%). Infants with small gestational age, anaemia, and single mothers had an increased likelihood of cognitive delay. Boys, anaemic infants, and non-exclusively breastfed infants were more likely to develop motor delay. Nutritional education programmes and interventions for mothers should emphasize early nutrition such as exclusive breastfeeding practices and the prevention of anaemia in infants in order to improve cognitive and motor development among infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Cobalamin and folate are essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids and in the maintenance of myelin. They are required during the period of the rapid growth of infancy and childhood. Their deficiency may result in nutritional anemia and neurological manifestations. There is paucity of literature regarding the prevalence of cobalamin and folate deficiency among North Indian children aged 6–59 months. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of serum cobalamin and folate deficiency among children aged 6–59 months, attending a secondary care hospital. Settings and Design: Children were recruited from pediatrics OPD of the sub-district hospital (SDH), Ballabgarh, Haryana, through systematic random sampling. Hemoglobin was measured by an automated analyzer. Serum cobalamin and serum folate were estimated using enhanced chemiluminescence based immunoassay. Results: A total of 420 children were recruited, of which 392 provided a blood specimen. Prevalence of cobalamin, folate deficiency, and anemia were 22.3% (95% CI: 18.3–26.7), 10.9% (95% CI: 8.2–14.6), and 81.9% (95% CI 77.7–85.4), respectively. The proportion of children with cobalamin deficiency who had anemia was 97.7% compared to 95.7% among those with no cobalamin deficiency (P = 0.396). Similarly, the proportion of children with folate deficiency who had anemia was 95.2% compared to 96.2% among those with no folate deficiency (P = 0.765). Conclusion: We found that almost one in five children aged 6–59 were deficient in cobalamin, and one in ten were deficient in folate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Anemia is a common problem in outpatient clinics, and endoscopic interventions are one of the initial steps to rule out the gastrointestinal causes. In this study, we aimed to analyze the diagnostic yield of endoscopic interventions in children with severe anemia. Materials and Methods: The demographic features, laboratory findings, and endoscopic and histopathological findings of 65 children with severe anemia (hemoglobin <7 g/dL) (mean age of 12.1 ± 4.4 years, 73.8% female) who underwent endoscopic interventions were recorded from the files. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of positive endoscopic findings and/or histopathological examination. Factors that may predict the presence of positive endoscopic findings and/or histopathological examination were analyzed. Results: After a colonoscopy and/or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the etiology of anemia was identified in 35 patients, and the major diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori gastritis in 16.9% and gastrointestinal ulcer in 10.8% of the patients was made. No gastrointestinal pathology was detected in 30 patients. The diagnostic yield of endoscopic examination in patients with severe anemia was 53.8% (95% CI: 63.3-67.7). Presence of hypoalbuminemia (P = .021), high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = .006), and high C-reactive protein (P = .03) was significantly associated with positive findings in endoscopic interventions. Conclusion: We recommend performing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and/or colonoscopy in patients with severe anemia associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and using laboratory findings of hypoalbuminemia, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein in order to rule out gastrointestinal pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iron deficiency anemia remains a common condition in India and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is commonly being used in diabetic individuals both as a parameter of glycemic control over previous three months and as a diagnostic tool. HbA1c levels have been reported to be altered by the presence of nutritional anemia's, hemolytic anemia and variant hemoglobin's (Hb) among others. Interestingly, iron deficiency anemia effect on HbA1c levels were not found in many studies. Hence a study is conducted to observe the effects if any in routine clinical practice scenario of mild to moderate anemia on HbA1c. sixty diabetic patients Methods: HbA1c was analyzed with their Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Post Lunch Blood Sugar (PLBS), along with Hemoglobin levels. Diabetic patients coming for routine follow-up were studied after their consent, with ethical committee clearance. All the parameters were found to have a normal distribution, i.e., they had an acceptable level of skewness -- 0.5 to -0.5, were then analyzed further with statistical tools viz., Pearson's correlate and linear regression. Results: The mean HbA1c was found to be 8.9. Further, the mean Hemoglobin (Hb), FBS and PLBS were: 12.29, 157.9 and 229 respectively. The Pearson's correlate and linear regression analysis was done. HbA1c correlated well with FBS and PLBS, one tailed significance p value being <0.01 for both FBS and PLBS; but was not found to correlate with Hb: p value 0.146 (not significant). Conclusions: In the present study representing field scenario, the HbA1c was not correlated with mild anemia but was significantly correlated with FBS and PLBS. Hence in a routine clinical practice scenario the presence of mild anemia didn't appear to interfere with the HbA1c levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancytopenia is characterized by decreased hemoglobin (adult males <13 g/dl, pregnant females <10 g/dl, nonpregnant females and children <11 g/dl), total leukocyte count (<4 × 109/L), and platelet count (<100 × 109/L). Depending on the severity, patients can present with varied symptoms. Vast majority of conditions causing pancytopenia are known. Hence, a systematic approach is a mandatory requirement to identify the cause of pancytopenia for appropriate management. Aim: Clinicopathological study of new onset pancytopenia and to determine the frequency of different etiologies causing pancytopenia. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 451 consecutive cases who had pancytopenia and presented in outpatient or emergency room of a tertiary care center of Western India, from July 2017 to September 2019. The clinical data of the patients were obtained and hematological investigations were analyzed in the hematopathology section of the pathology department. Bone marrow (BM) aspirates and biopsies were performed in 355 cases. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Patients age ranged from 6 months to 84 years with mean standard deviation of 45.89 ± 19.21 years. Overall male to female ratio was 1.87:1. Hematolymphoid malignancy was the most common cause (n = 137, 30.37%) followed by nutritional anemia (n = 97, 21.5%), infections (n = 68, 15.07%), BM failure (n = 66, 14.63%), hypersplenism (n = 55, 12.19%), and autoimmune disorder (n = 11, 2.44%). Conclusion: Pancytopenia is a common hematological entity with the multifactorial etiologies. It can present as a life-threatening condition or can be merely transient. Hematolymphoid malignancy was found to be the most common underlying cause in our study. An accurate etiological break will further assist in appropriate management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of nutritional anemia is one of elementary school-aged children's nutritional problems and brings an impact on students' learning achievements. This study aimed to analyze the role of sharing peer group intervention on nutritional anemia prevention to elementary school-aged children. The research design used was quasi-experiment with control group design. Population and samples of students from IV and V classes were 54 and the students were chosen through purposive sampling method. Data were analyzed with paired test. Results showed that there were increment scores in cognitive aspect after sharing peer group method was applied as research intervention (M=24.07; SD=11.851). The value was greater than cognitive scores increment after counseling method applied as research intervention (M=14.81; SD=8.931) with p value=0.002 less than significance value (p<0,05). It shows that there is increase of average increment to respondent's cognitive scores. Average increment affective scores of respondents after sharing peer group (M=25.55; SD=15.275) was conducted is greater than counseling method (M=15.92; SD=14.212) with p value=0.020 less than significance value (p<0.05). It means that there is increase of average increment to respondent's affective scores. Average increment psychomotor scores of respondents after sharing peer group (M=22.22; SD=11.208) was conducted is greater than counseling method (M=15.18; SD=11.559) with p value=0.027 less than significance value (p<0.05). It means that there is increase of average increment to respondent's psychomotor scores. It is expected to shool practitioners to continue the counseling and sharing peer group to students in order to maintain healthy food consumption pattern with sustainable and proper way so that students can avoid nutritional anemia cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescence is the period of rapid growth with physical & physiological development and profound biological, emotional, social, and cognitive changes in human beings. Nutritional anemia is the common & worldwide public health problem among adolescent girls and overall prevalence of nutritional anemia varies from 40-90%. It may produce adverse effects like increased risk of morbidity and mortality and affects adolescent's future health. Objective: This study aimed to assess the awareness on nutritional anemia and its prevention among adolescent girls. Method: A non experimental descriptive design was adopted to assess awareness on nutritional anemia and its prevention among adolescent girls at Keezhakasakudi, Karaikal. A total of 60 adolescent girls between 10-15 years of age were selected by convenience sampling technique. Data was collected by using self structured interview schedule. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analysis the gathered data. Results: The study results reported that the majority 63% (38) of adolescent girls had inadequate awareness, 27% (16) had moderately adequate awareness and only 10% (6) had adequate awareness on nutritional anemia and its prevention. The overall mean was 9.6 with standard deviation±2.49. The results of the present study also revealed that there was statistically significant association between level of awareness on nutritional anemia with age of the adolescent girls. Conclusion: Nutritional anemia as the major non communicable disease and contributing negative impact on health, it necessitates the need to organize counseling programs to adolescent girls in schools and colleges with much emphasis on impact of nutritional anemia on future health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of iron deficiency, latent and symptomatic, is heterogeneous worldwide. In this study, we aim to explore the prevalence of iron deficiency, with and without anemia, among medical college females at the high Altitude Aseer region of Southwestern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: 200 female medical students were randomly sampled, between the ages of 19 and 27 years. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count (CBC) values and serum ferritin determination. Questionnaires were completed in order to collect demographics, medical history, and socioeconomic information of the participants. Results: Prevalence of overall iron deficiency was high (63%, serum ferritin <20 μg/L, 52.5%, ferritin <15 μg/L). Anemia, adjusted for high altitude (defined as less than 13 g/dL was present in 41 participants (20.5%) and 12 (6.5%) have Hb <12 g/dL. Iron-deficiency anemia (Hb <13 g/dL and serum ferritin <15 μg/L) was present in 35 (17.5%). Personal and family history of anemia and poor animal product containing meals were positively correlated with the presence of iron deficiency state. Neither symptoms of anemia, nor the presence of menorrhagia correlate with the presence of iron deficiency anemia. Conclusion: Iron deficiency with and without anemia is a very common and condition in young females' population at high altitude. Implementing a lab method to screen for anemia on vulnerable populations is needed. Frequently asymptomatic, the primary care providers should maintain a high degree of suspicion in order to initiate screening for iron status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data on the prevalence of nutritional anemia among the urban elderly population in India was limited. Hence, the present study was carried out with an aim to assess the prevalence of nutritional anemia and its association with vitamin B12, folate, ferritin and homocystine among the urban elderly population. A community- based cross-sectional study was carried out among 282 urban elderly (≥ 60 years) subjects (186 males and 96 females) in Hyderabad. Fasting blood samples were collected and hemoglobin (Hb) was estimated by cyanmethemoglobin method. Plasma Folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were estimated by RIA and homocysteine and ferritin levels were estimated by ELISA methods. The overall prevalence of anemia (Hb < 12 g/dL for females and < 13 g/dL for males) among the urban elderly was 20.6% and the prevalence was found to be increasing with the age. The prevalence of vitamin B12 (< 203 pg/mL), folic acid (< 4 ng/mL), ferritin (< 15 ng/mL) and hyperhomocysteinemia (≥ 12 µmol/L) in these subjects was 36.0%, 8.2%, 1.1% and 24.3% respectively. The prevalence of anemia due to deficiencies of iron (ferritin < 15 ng/mL), folate and vitamin B12 was 5.45%, 9.1% and 42.3% respectively. A significant association was observed between the prevalence of anemia with ferritin and hyperhomocysteinemia. In conclusion, the prevalence of anemia and nutritional anemia among the urban-based elderly was 20.6% and 56.85% respectively. The association of anemia with hyperhomocysteinemia needs further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries. According to the World Health Organization, the highest number of individuals affected by anemia is observed in nonpregnant women aged 15–49.99 years. Though nutritional anemia can affect any age group, female medical students form a vulnerable population due to their hectic schedules, erratic mealtimes, and long working hours while staying in hostel for majority of times. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence and awareness of anemia among the apparently healthy female students studying at a health institute. Methods: A cross-sectional study is conducted among 300 female students studying at a health institute in western Maharashtra after their written informed consent. A structured questionnaire elicits their general information, the knowledge about signs and symptoms of anemia, and dietary habits. Basal metabolic index and hemoglobin using the spectroscopy method are estimated for each participant. Results: Anemia prevalence in our population is 86 (28.6%). Based upon the severity of anemia, about 54 (18%) has mild anemia and 32 (10.6%) has moderate anemia. No case of severe anemia is noted in our study sample. Conclusion: The findings of the study highlight that anemia can affect even medical female students who are a vulnerable group unexpectedly suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Thus, this study highlights the need for interventional programs at primary health-care systems and colleges for improvement in the nutritional status of anemic students to reduce its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the nutritional quality of industrial-scale sprouted versus unsprouted chickpeas and green peas, before and after cooking, the ultrastructure, chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, starch digestibility, mineral content and accessibility were analysed. Sprouting did not deeply affect raw seed structure, although after cooking starch granules appeared more porous and swelled. Chemical composition of raw sprouted seeds was not strongly affected, excepting an increase in protein (both pulses), and in free sugars (in peas; +10% and +80%, respectively, p < .05). The industrial sprouting favoured phytic acid leaching in cooking water (-35% in seeds, compared to unsprouted cooked ones, p < .05), and promoted antioxidant capacity reductions in raw and cooked seeds (-10% and -37%, respectively, p < .05). In conclusion, sprouting on an industrial-scale induced mild structural modifications in chickpeas and peas, sufficient to reduce antinutritional factors, without strongly influencing their nutritional quality. These products could represent nutritionally interesting ingredients for different dietary patterns as well as for enriched cereal-based foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Zambia, chronic malnutrition still is one of the most common problem among children. To fight against malnutrition, the easiest short-term solution could be to combine specific types of food with affordable local plants. A large variety of natural food resources grow in Zambia, such as Moringa oleifera (MO), whose leaves are known for their health benefits, but are not consumed much by local populations. We analysed Zambian MO powder obtained from dried leaves and found that it contains large amounts of protein, minerals and vitamins, such as iron, calcium and carotenoids. These characteristics make MO a good and sustainable complementary solution to malnutrition. We also evaluated the acceptability and the safety of dietary supplementation with MO powder in malnourished children for 30 days. A daily dose of 14 g daily was safe and well accepted. Its regular use in the menu of local populations may be viable proposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Rates of migration have increased substantially in recent years and so has the number of left-behind children (LBC). We investigated the impact of parental migration on nutritional disorders of LBC in Bangladesh.Design: We analysed data from the nationally representative cross-sectional Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2012-2013. Child stunting, wasting and underweight were used as measures of nutritional disorders. Descriptive statistics were used to describe characteristics of the respondents and to compare nutritional outcomes based on status of parental migration. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between parental migration and child nutritional disorders.Setting: Bangladesh.ParticipantsData of 23 402 children (aged <5 years), their parents and households.Results: In the unadjusted models, parental migration was found significantly protective for stunting, wasting and underweight - both separately and jointly. After potential confounders were controlled for, no difference was found between LBC and non-LBC in any of these three nutritional outcome measures. Household wealth status and maternal educational status were found to significantly influence the nutritional development of the children.Conclusions: At the population level there is no negative impact of parental migration on stunting, wasting and underweight of LBC in Bangladesh. Remittance from parental migration might enhance affordability of better foods, health care and supplies for a cleaner environment. This affordability is crucial for the poorest section of the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a new type of tailor-made recognition element, molecularly imprinted poly-nanodots for nutritional anaemia biomarker bovine haemoglobin. Herein for the first time, rhodamine b dye is used as an electroactive monomer for formation of a new type of tailor-made recognition element viz. imprinted polymeric nanodots exhibits quantum dots properties. The molecularly imprinted polymeric nanodots were directly synthesized on the surface of graphite electrode by electropolymerization. The resultant molecularly imprinted polymeric-nanodots shows specific recognition to the bovine haemoglobin, their recognition selectivity was compared with non-imprinted polymeric nanodots. The best optimized molecularly imprinted poly-nanodots modified graphite electrodes were morphologically and electrochemically characterized via scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry. Good linearity was obtained for bovine haemoglobin in a range of 0.085-115.5 ng mL−1 and the average recoveries at three spiked levels in aqueous and blood samples of cattle were higher than 98% (RSD < 5%). Limit of quantification and Limit of detection was 0.085 and 0.012 ng mL−1, respectively. Cross-reactivity studies with other proteins interferences were tested. A new type of electrochemical sensing platform exhibited superior selectivity and reproducibility facilitating the determination of BHP in real samples of cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disorders of red cells and erythropoiesis encompass a vast array of inherited and acquired conditions, several of which are important not just medically but are also concern public health and policy making. Research in India in this area has been plentiful and has, in the past, focused on the laboratory diagnosis and clinical management of these disorders as well as their basic underlying pathogenesis. In the last 2 years too, papers presented at the annual national conferences of the Indian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, ISHBT (Haematocon 2016 and 2017) presented a snapshot of the contemporary research activities that are ongoing in various academic and other centres. This mini-review analyzes and summarizes the salient findings of the original research abstracts presented. The papers are divided into broad subsections of α- and β- thalassemias with the hemoglobinopathies, iron deficiency and overload states, red cell membranopathies and enzymopathies, and acquired hemolytic anemias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent girls are one of the vulnerable groups in which the nutritional demand increases. One of the most common nutritional problems in adolescent girl is anemia. This risk of anemia increases especially for those living in endemic area of malaria. The relationship between nutritional status and malaria is complex and involves many determinant factors. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between anemia and nutritional status in adolescent girl in West Sulawesi Province. Material and Method: This study was a cross-sectional and conducted in North Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi Province. A total of 200 adolescent girls as the subjects from 4 schools were selected using two stage random sampling. The variables measured were malaria status, type of malaria, worm status, and nutritional status. Diagnosis of malaria is conducted by health professional based on the result of blood sample analysis (250-500 ml). The type of malaria was observed in the sub-sample (43 students). Nutritional status was calculated after measurement of body weight and height by using weight for height indices (WHZ score). Feces collected are to see the presence of worm infection. Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed using chi-square, t-test, and ANOVA analysis using SPSS 15. Result: This study shows that most respondents have decent dwellings. It is characterized by 71.5% having own latrines, 60% having cemented wells, cemented floor (62.5%), and 73.5% tin roofs. This study also shows that the number of malaria was 21.5% and the dominant type of malaria was Tertiana (79.1%). Many of adolescent girls were malnutrition marked by BMI <17 kg/m2, chronic energi deficiency, and anemia (9.5%, 54.5%, 71.9%, respectively). In addition, 28.5% of students were infected with the worms. Bivariate analysis showed that there was no significant association between malaria status and anemia (p = 0.368). However, it appears that those with malaria have lower mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) than non-malaria. Similarly with the indicator of body mass index, adolescent girl with malaria had lower BMI than non-malaria (19.05 kg / m2 vs. 19.39 kg / m2). However, hemoglobin levels in the malaria group were higher than the non-malaria group (11.34 vs. 11.05). Conclusion: The current study concluded that malaria in adolescent girl may have an impact on body composition but not on hemoglobin levels. Further studies need to be done primarily to see the long-term repercussions of repeated malaria in adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Event of mortality is basically the end of the accumulation process (outcome) of the various causes of mortality directly or indirectly. In Katingan, maternal mortality rate is above the national average since 2013, 2014, and 2015 respectively following cases 322.71, 556.52 cases, and 417.83 cases per 100,000 live births. Meanwhile, national targets are at 228 per 100,000 live births. McCarthy and Maine proposed three factors that influence maternal mortality is close determinants, determinants and determinants far between. Nutritional status, anemia, birth attendants, and the delay between the referral is a determinant of maternal mortality. The design / research design used in the study is analytic observational case control, which is a risk factor research study with retrospective approach. This study was conducted in Katingan for 7 months ie from February to August 2016. The control population consisted of all mothers postpartum in Katingan who did not experience maternal mortality during the years 2013 to 2015. The sample in this study as many as 32 cases. The results showed that the nutritional status, anemia status, and birth attendants have no significant relationship with maternal mortality, with a p-value respectively as follows 0,113, 0,113 and 0,024. However, delayed in reference has a significant association with maternal mortality with p-value = 0.0001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Prevalence of nutritional anemia among Saudi female and children is evident and has been reflected in different studies, most of researchers conclude that there is a gap in dietary counseling in addition to the poor awareness of community about appropriate dietary habits; this study is trying to assess counseling behavior and training competency of family physician at primary health centers with respect to nutritional anemia. Objective: Study objective is to assess general beliefs, practice, and level of training in counseling by family physician. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study design; data collected using self-administered questionnaire provided to the doctor at clinic site. Results: The most commonly learned counseling technique in order as follows motivational interviewing (68%), cognitive behavioral therapy (58%), and 15-Minute Hour approach (53%). Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of positive counseling beliefs and practices by family physicians; however, the result is also reflects the current reluctant state of family physicians in devoting ample time for nutritional anemia counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common sole fed with commercial pellets develop anaemia and are restricted in their growth performance. The anaemia can be the result of a difference in feed intake, a nutritional deficiency, an inflammatory response to infection or combinations of these aspects. In this study, it was investigated whether feeding ragworm would alleviate the anaemia and stimulate growth. Sole were fed one of three diets: a commercial feed, a commercial feed treated with ragworm extract or chopped ragworm. By comparing groups, three hypotheses were tested: (1) feeding ragworm alleviates the anaemia and positively affectS the sole's metabolic performance reflected in feed intake, feed efficiency and growth; (2) anaemia is alleviated by a higher feed intake when feeding ragworm and (3) anaemia is caused by an inflammatory response to infection. The sole fed with a commercial diet suffered from anaemia. Feeding sole with ragworm alleviated the anaemia as the average haematocrit level nearly doubled in these fish as compared to fish fed pellets. Investigation of the expression of genes in the liver indicated that the anaemia in sole fed pellets is a nutritional anaemia and not an anaemia due to an inflammatory response. Sole fed ragworm showed improved growth which may be a consequence of the higher haematocrit levels in these fish increasing their oxygen carrying capacity. Addition of ragworm extract to the pellets levelled the feed intake between pellets and ragworm, but did not improve the anaemic state of sole and had only a limited effect on growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms of the European Food Safety Authority (GMO Panel) previously assessed the two single events combined to produce soybean 305423 × 40-3-2 and did not identify safety concerns. No new data on the single events affecting the original conclusions were identified. Based on the molecular, agronomic, phenotypic and compositional characteristics, the combination of soybean events 305423 and 40-3-2 in the two-event stack soybean did not raise concerns regarding food and feed safety or nutrition. The combination of the newly expressed proteins in the two-event stack soybean did not raise human or animal health concerns. No compositional differences requiring further assessment were identified between soybean 305423 × 40-3-2, the non-GM comparator, additional comparators and the non-GM commercial soybean reference varieties, except for the altered fatty acid profile (consistent with the intended trait). Nutritional assessment of food products from soybean 305423 × 40-3-2 identified no concerns for human health and nutrition. There are no concerns regarding the use of feedingstuffs from defatted toasted soybean 305423 × 40-3-2 meal. There are no indications of an increased likelihood of establishment and spread of occasional feral soybean plants, unless these are exposed to acetolactate-synthase-inhibiting or glufosinate-ammonium-based herbicides. Risks associated with the unlikely, but theoretically possible, horizontal transfer of recombinant genes from soybean 305423 × 40-3-2 to bacteria were not identified. Considering the scope of the application, interactions with biotic and abiotic environments are not considered a relevant issue. The post-market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of soybean 305423 × 40-3-2. The GMO Panel is of the opinion that soybean 305423 × 40-3-2 is as safe as the non-GM comparator and non-GM commercial soybean varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and environment in the context of its scope. The GMO panel recommends a post-market monitoring plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria, anaemia and under-nutrition are three highly prevalent and frequently co-existing diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality particularly among children aged less than 5 years. Currently, there is paucity of conclusive studies on the burden of and associations between malaria, anaemia and under-nutrition in Rwanda and comparable sub-Saharan and thus, this study measured the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia, anaemia and under-nutrition among preschool age children in a rural Rwandan setting and evaluated for interactions between and risk determinants for these three conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional household (HH) survey involving children aged 6–59 months was conducted. Data on malaria parasitaemia, haemoglobin densities, anthropometry, demographics, socioeconomic status (SES) and malaria prevention knowledge and practices were collected. Results: The prevalences of malaria parasitaemia and anaemia were 5.9 and 7.0 %, respectively, whilst the prevalence of stunting was 41.3 %. Malaria parasitaemia risk differed by age groups with odds ratio (OR) = 2.53; P = 0.04 for age group 24–35 months, OR = 3.5; P = 0.037 for age group 36–47 months, and OR = 3.03; P = 0.014 for age group 48–60 months, whilst a reduced risk was found among children living in high SES HHs (OR = 0.37; P = 0.029). Risk of anaemia was high among children aged ≥12 months, those with malaria parasitaemia (OR = 3.86; P ≤ 0.0001) and children living in HHs of lower SES. Overall, under-nutrition was not associated with malaria parasitaemia. Underweight was higher among males (OR = 1.444; P = 0.019) and children with anaemia (OR = 1.98; P = 0.004). Conclusions: In this study group, four in 10 and one in 10 children were found stunted and underweight, respectively, in an area of low malaria transmission. Under-nutrition was not associated with malaria risk. While the high prevalence of stunting requires urgent response, reductions in malaria parasitaemia and anaemia rates may require, in addition to scaled-up use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual insecticide spraying, improvements in HH SES and better housing to reduce risk of malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nutrition status prior to pregnancy is of vital importance. Inadequate iron stores bef ore conception is a major cause of iron deficiency. The primary objective of this research was to estimate the prevalence of anaemia and the secondary objective was to assess various epidemiological factors associated with anaemia. Methods: A community based, cross - sectional study was carried among 207 unmarried adolescent girls between 10 to 19 years, residing in urban field practice area of tertiary care hospital in Mumbai for one year. All study participants social demographic profile, diet history was collected. Findings of clinical examination, height and weight was recorded. Blood and stools samples were collected after obtaining verbal consent from their parents. Univariate and binary logistic regression analysis was done using SPSS 11.5 version. Results: The overall prevalence of anaemia was 78.3%. Prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anaemia was 64.2%, 36.2% and 0.6% respectively. Study participants with BMI <18.5 Kg/M2 had significantly higher prevalence of anaemia. 88.9% had no knowledge regarding anaemia. In logistic regression analysis body mass index, per capita income and intestinal parasites in stool were the variables independently associated with anaemia. Conclusions: The high prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls indicates need for additional nutritional support, iron folic acid supplementation including prevention and control of worm infestation in urban communities. It would be desirable that action for improvement is initiated right at the adolescent stage, thereby ensuring adequate body stores of iron even before they marry and become pregnant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is one of the most common public health problems globally, and high prevalence has been reported among women of reproductive age, especially in developing countries. This study was conducted to evaluate differentials in the prevalence of anemia among non-pregnant, ever-married women of reproductive age in Bangladesh, and to examine associations with demographic, socioeconomic, and nutritional factors. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were taken from the 2011 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). In a sub-sample of one-third of the households, all ever-married women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) were selected for the biomarker component of the survey, including anemia. The sample size for our study was 5,293. Data were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of anemia among non-pregnant, ever-married women was 41.3 % (urban: 37.2 % and rural: 43.5 %). Among anemic women, 35.5 % had mild anemia, 5.6 % had moderate anemia, and 0.2 % had severe anemia. Women with no education weremore likely to be anemic than those with secondary education (p<0.01) or higher education (p < 0.01). Undernourished women (BMI < 18.5) were at greater risk of anemia (p < 0.01) compared with normal women, overweight women, and obese women. Anemia was less pronounced among non-pregnant women using contraception (p < 0.05), Muslim women (p < 0.01), and women living in rich households (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia among non-pregnant, ever-married women in Bangladesh is high. Illiteracy, poverty, and undernutrition are contributing factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Pediátrica Española is the property of Ediciones Mayo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: To study the bone marrow changes in elderly patients (above 60 years of age). Material and methods: Bone marrow records from the pathology laboratory in the Department of Pathology, Bangalore Medical College, Bangalore, from March 2012 to June 2013, were searched, and cases from all patients at least 60 years old at the time of bone marrow study were retrospectively reviewed. Results: During the 16 months period, 164 bone marrow examinations were performed, and out of these, 50 patients were at least 60 years old. The age range of the patients was 60 to 82 years, 27 were males and 23 were females. 47 cases (94%) yielded specific diagnosis. 27 cases (54%) had nutritional anemia, 6 cases (12%) were diagnosed as myeloma, 3 cases (6%) had aplastic anemia, 3 cases (6%) had chronic lymphocytic leukemia! small lymphocytic leukemia infiltrating the bone marrow; 2 cases (4%) had acute myeloid leukemia, 2 cases (4%) had hypocellular marrow with myelofibrosis - grade 3, 2 cases were diagnosed to have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (4%), 1 case (2%) had metastatic deposits from prostatic carcinoma and 1 case (2%) had metastatic deposits from renal cell carcinoma - clear cell variant; 1 case (2%) of myelodysplastic syndrome - refractory cytopenia with multi lineage dysplasia and ringed side roblasts was diagnosed. Conclusions: In this study we found that after nutritional anemia, plasma cell dyscrasias were the most common findings in bone marrow studies in elderly patients. Diagnosis of plasma cell dyscrasias prompt for early institution of treatment resulting in reduced morbidity and mortality in such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is a major public health problem worldwide, with adverse consequences on child growth, development, and survival. This deficiency has affected approximately a quarter of the world population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and the associated factors among preschool children in the Gaza Strip. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2012. A total of 357 preschool children were selected using multistage sampling method from Jabalya refugee camp, El Remal urban area, and Al Qarara rural area. Hemoglobin level was measured, and anemia diagnosis was confirmed at a level <11.0 g/dL. In this study, we utilized a pretested questionnaire for face to face interview with mothers. Anthropometric indicators for children were measured using the WHO guideline. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 59.7% among preschool children in the Gaza Strip, 46.5% and 13.5% of which are mild and moderate, respectively. The mean hemoglobin level was 10.83 ± 0.86 g/dl. Children living in Jabalya refugee camp have a high risk of anemia [adjusted b= -0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI;-0.72,-0.39); p < 0.001]. Boys were more susceptible to this deficiency than girls [adjusted b = 0.17; 95% CI (0.0.01, 0.33); p = 0.031]. Hemoglobin level increased with age [adjusted b = 0.02; 95% CI (0.01, 0.03); p < 0.001]. Hemoglobin level decreased in children living in poor households [adjusted b = -0.24; 95%CI (-0.41,-0.06); p = 0.006]. Underweight children were more susceptible to anemia than normal weight children [adjusted b = - 0.22; 95% CI (-0.41, -0.03); p = 0.025]. Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia among preschool children in the Gaza Strip was higher than those reported in previous local studies, indicating that anemia is a major public health problem. In this study, we also observed mild and moderate cases among children, whereas severe anemia was not observed. Independent predictors of anemia were geographic location, sex, age, monthly income, and malnutrition. Results provided the baseline information on anemia, therefore, especial attention should be given on intervention of anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia during the third trimester of fetal development affects one-third of the pregnancies in the United States and has been associated with postnatal behavioral outcomes. This study examines how fetal iron deficiency (ID) interacts with the fetal monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genotype. MAOA metabolizes monoamine neurotransmitters. MAOA polymorphisms in humans affect temperament and modify the influence of early adverse environments on later behavior. Objective: The aim of the study was to advance translation of developmental ID research in animal models by taking into account genetic factors that influence outcomes in human populations. Methods: Male infant rhesus monkeys 3-4 mo old born to mothers fed an ID (10 ppm iron) diet were compared with controls (100 ppm iron). Infant monkeys with high- or low-transcription rate MAOA polymorphisms were equally distributed between diet groups. Behavioral responses to a series of structured experiences were recorded during a 25-h separation of the infants from their mothers. Results: Infant monkeys with low-transcription MAOA polymorphisms more clearly demonstrated the following ID effects suggested in earlier studies: a 4% smaller head circumference, a 39%lower cortisol response to social separation, a 129% longer engagement with novel visual stimuli, and 33% lesser withdrawal in response to a human intruder. The high MAOA genotype ID monkeys demonstrated other ID effects: less withdrawal and emotionality after social separation and lower ''fearful'' ratings. Conclusion: MAOA 3 ID interactions support the role of monoamine neurotransmitters in prenatal ID effects in rhesus monkeys and the potential involvement of common human polymorphisms in determining the pattern of neurobehavioral effects produced by inadequate prenatal nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Back ground- In India adolescents occupy a major part (22.8%) of total population1. Almost half of the adolescent girls were not getting even 70% of their daily requirements of energy and quarters of them were not getting 70% of the required proteins. 2 Objectives- To find out the magnitude of malnutrition and anemia among the adolescent girls of social welfare hostels in and around Vijayawada city. Materials and Methods- A cross sectional observational study was done among adolescent girl students aged between 10-19 yrs residing in social welfare girls hostels in and around Vijayawada city. Only girls hostel are included in the study. Two Hostels were selected by simple random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements of the students of class 7th, 8th and 9th were taken and recorded. Results- The mean weight and height of adolescent girls found to be 40.82kgs ±0.67 and 1.527m±0.0548 respectively which is below the NCHS standards. The prevalence of under nutrition as per BMI is 37.02%. The mean haemoglobin percentage was found to be 6.87±1.94 gm%. Prevalence of anemia by hemoglobin percentage is 98.44 %. Conclusions: The mean weight and height of adolescent girls is below the NCHS standards. Regular sessions of Health education regarding importance of taking balanced diet and Iron & Folic acid and deworming tablets should be provided to all adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines how severe chronic anemia could lead to growth retardation, as well as long-term negative effects on the cognitive, motor, and affective development of children and adolescents. It also notes that defective secretion of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has been identified as one of key mechanisms of delayed growth in iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). It also advises endocrinologists that routine iron supplementation has no significant impact on linear growth in children.

Copyright of Acta Pediatrica de Mexico is the property of Instituto Nacional de Pediatria (INP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Morbidity problems in women of reproductive age need to be studied extensively for effective strategies to improve their health. Objectives: 1. To study prevalence of morbidity in women of reproductive age group. 2. To study various factors influencing health of women in reproductive age group. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among women of reproductive age group 15-44 years from November 2005 to October 2006 in an urban slum. Sample size of 203 was calculated and systematic random sampling was done. Haemoglobin estimation was done by Sahli's method. Statistical analysis included percentages, mean and standard deviation, and chi-square test. Results: Prevalence of general morbidity was 31.03% consisting of mainly dental caries in 6.40% and body aches in 5.91%. Prevalence of gynaecological morbidity was 52.22% comprising mainly menstrual problems in 41.38% and white discharge in 12.81%. 59.61% of women were anaemic. Education and anaemia were significantly associated with general morbidity. Association between anaemia and gynaecological morbidity was significant. Interpretation & Conclusions: Prevalence of gynaecological morbidity and anaemia are high and need to be addressed. More emphasis should be placed on Iron and folic acid supplementation in order to prevent anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Medica Colombiana is the property of Acta Medica Colombiana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background/Objectives:We studied the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), represented by household income, and the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among adolescent girls in Korea.Subjects/Methods:The samples were based on the data from a four-year (2008-2011) collection for the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1312 girls, age 10-18 years). The survey included demographic, anthropometric, biochemical and nutritional parameters. A multiple regression analysis after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), red blood cell count, white blood cell count and red meat intake was performed. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin level lower than 11.5 g/dl for ages 10-11 years and 12.0 g/dl for ages 12-14 years. Iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin level below 15 μg/l.Results:The prevalences of anemia and IDA in Korean girls were 5.3 and 4.2%, respectively. Girls with anemia were older, taller, weighed more, had higher BMI, had higher portion of menarche experience and consumed less red meat than girls without anemia. Girls with higher income had lower anemia prevalence and consumed more iron and vitamins. Logistic regression analysis showed a decreasing trend in anemia prevalence as household income increased. Correlation analysis demonstrated that there is a relationship between household income and serum hemoglobin and ferritin levels (P=0.003 and P=0.026, respectively).Conclusions:Higher SES leads to lower prevalence of anemia and IDA in Korean adolescent girls. This may be due to the fact that higher SES individuals consume more iron and vitamin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is common for primary care physicians to be faced with children with hematological disorders in everyday practice. The article seeks to provide realistic information for the first-contact physician in handling common hematological diseases in children. Practical step-wise approach to understanding and investigating anemia and bleeding disorders is illustrated. Requirement of iron in normal children and management of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia is explained. The gold standard for IDA continues to be ferrous sulphate which has good bioavailability and is inexpensive. There is emerging concept of delayed clamping of umbilical cord at birth, particularly in regions with widespread IDA, to augment iron stores in infancy. Typical case scenarios of children with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and hemophilia are provided to facilitate the understanding of management in day to day practice. The vital role of the medical practitioner in shared care of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and febrile neutropenia is emphasized. A risk based treatment algorithm for febrile neutropenia is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the world, primarily affecting infants, young children, and women of childbearing age. Objective. To evaluate the impact of the National Complementary Feeding Program (NCFP) on anemia and iron status in Chilean children aged 11 to 18 months. Methods. Two studies were performed. The first study was performed at one public outpatient health center in Santiago, using data collected in 1999 (n = 128) and 2000 (n = 125), before and after the national introduction of iron-fortified milk. Subsequently, a study of a representative sample (n = 320) from the two most populated areas of the country was performed in 2009. Results. One year after fortification, the prevalence of anemia was 9%; significantly lower (p < .001) than the 27% prevalence observed 1 year before. Ten years after fortification, 14% of children were anemic and 77% of children with anemia (12% of all children) suffered from iron-deficiency anemia. In 2009, 11% of children consuming iron-fortified milk delivered by the NCFP (73%) were anemic, significantly lower (p = .028) than the 21% prevalence of anemia observed in children without consumption. Consumption of iron-fortified milk was positively associated with hemoglobin concentration (r = 0.28, p = .022) and was associated with a lower prevalence of anemia after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.96). Conclusions. In Chile, the NCFP has had an impact on the reduction of anemia and improved the iron status of children aged 11 to 18 months. Increasing the consumption of this iron-fortified milk could enhance the impact of the NCFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Postadolescent acne has been defined as the presence of acne beyond the age of 25 years. Postadolescent acne affects approximately 14% of women between the ages of 25 and 50 years. Namely, postadolescent acne usually occurs in women of reproductive age. Nutritional anemia occurs from an insufficient intake of nutrients such as iron, folate and vitamin B12. It is very common in women of reproductive age. Nutritional anemia causes irritability, apathy, fatigue, depressive symptoms and difficulty in concentration. The major etiological factor in adult acne can be increased levels of emotional stress, leading to increase in adrenal androgens. Thus, nutritional anemia may aggravate the lesions of acne by affecting the emotional status in women of reproductive age. Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between postadolescent acne and nutritional anemia in this study. Materials and methods: The study population comprised of 52 patients with postadolescent acne and 52 healthy control subjects. Hemogram, vitamin B12, folate, serum iron, ferritin and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were measured. Results: No significant differences were observed between both groups in hemoglobin, vitamin B12, serum iron, ferritin and TIBC levels. Serum folate levels were significantly decreased in postadolescent acne patients ( p < 0.001). There were no significant correlations between hemoglobin, vitamin B12, folate, serum iron, ferritin and TIBC levels and acne severity. Discussion and conclusion: We could not find any relationship between postadolescent acne and nutritional anemia in our study. However, serum folate levels were decreased in postadolescent acne patients. Prospective research studies are needed to clarify the role of nutrition in the pathophysiology of postadolescent acne. We think that nutritional interventions can be inexpensive, safe, easy to administer and generally acceptable to patients with postadolescent acne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce malnutrition and improve child survival, school feeding programmes have been established in many parts of Africa, although prevalence of child malnutrition and anaemia remains high, especially in urban slums. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of a school feeding programme in the slums of Nairobi (Kenya) on anaemia and nutritional status, together with an investigation for socioeconomic determinants that may overrule this effect. Sixty-seven children at the St. George primary school in Kibera participated in the school feeding programme for 1 year and data concerning anaemia rate, nutritional status and socioeconomic status were collected during a medical health check. Data were compared with a control group of children attending the same school, of the same age and with the same gender distribution without participation in a feeding programme. Data were analyzed with statistical software (SPSS 17.0). Children participating in the school feeding programme were less stunted (p = 0.02) and wasted (p = 0.02) than children in the control group, and levels of anaemia were lower (p = 0.01). Having no father (p = 0.01) and living in small families (p = 0.003) overruled the effect of the feeding programme. Also, the higher the mother’s education, the more wasting was seen (p = 0.04) despite participation in the programme. The programme reduced anaemia and malnutrition and has improved child growth in our study group greatly, but we found that education level of the mother, family size and absence of a father overruled the effect of the school feeding programme. Because sample size of our study is small, we encourage further large-scaled research on reviewing programmatic interventions to develop optimal feeding strategies and improve nutritional status of children. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study was conducted on 500 pregnant women residing in four districts Udaipur, Alwar, Sriganganagar and Bikaner to assess their nutritional profile. An interview schedule was developed and pre tested before collection of data. The nutritional status of the pregnant women was assessed using dietary adequacy and anthropometric measurement. Bikaner district was selected for, two approaches of iron intervention. For this 80 selected anaemic women were divided into two groups i.e. FBIG (food based iron group) who was given tablets prepared by mixing iron rich powder of lotus stem, rice bran and lemon juice, and synthetic iron group SIG given commercial iron tablets. In addition both the groups were given equal amount of folic acid tablets for 30 days..Nutritional status was assessed by weight, height and dietary intake which did not change significantly by intervention. Hematological status of pregnant women revealed a significant increment in hemoglobin level i.e. 9.48 and 9.35 g/dl prior to intervention to 9.67 g/dl and 9.91 g/dl in FBIG and SIG respectively. Iron intervention also had positive effect on hematological status i.e. R.B.C, count, heamotocrit, MCV and MCH confirming the results as predicted by heamoglobin levels. These results clearly depict that iron intervention had positive impact on iron status of pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite growing wealth and a strengthening government commitment to improve livelihoods and welfare, many students across rural China have inadequate access to micronutrient-rich diets. Poor diets can lead to nutritional problems, such as iron-deficiency anemia, that can adversely affect health, attention, learning, and mental health. The overall goal of this paper is to assess the impact of multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) on anemia and anxiety among students in poor areas of rural China. To achieve this goal, we conducted a randomized controlled trial in 54 randomly chosen elementary schools in 8 of the poorest counties in Shaanxi Province in Northwest China. Study participants were 2730 fourth-grade students, mostly aged 10-12 y. Schools were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a control group that received no intervention and an intervention group that received a daily MMS with 5 mg of iron (ferrous sulfate) for 5 mo. Our primary outcome measures were hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations (assessed by HemoCue 201+ technology), anemia prevalence (defined as Hb) concentrations ≤120 g/L), and anxiety (using a written mental health test). The results showed that 42.4% of students were anemic at baseline. The Hb concentration was 121.7 ± 10.7 g/L in the treatment group and 123.4 ± 11.4 g/L in the control group. MMS increased Hb concentrations by 1.7 g/L ± 0.15 and reduced anemia rates by 7.0 percentage points (P < 0.05). Anxiety was reduced by 0.30 SDs (P < 0.01). MMS reduced both anemia and anxiety. Our results should encourage further research on the linkages between nutrition and mental health in a development context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]