Anaemia in India: Impact on reproductive health and tips to prevent it

Our body contains red blood cells, which are disc-shaped cells that transport oxygen to the various organs and tissues and a person with a low count of RBC is said to have anaemia. Anaemia in India: Impact on reproductive health and tips to prevent it In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Alok Khettry, COO India Business at Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited, explained, “RBC also contains haemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that binds oxygen to the lungs and allows the cells to transport it throughout the body. Acquired factors that can decrease RBC production include an imbalanced diet that lacks iron, vitamin B12, and folate, which are essential for RBC production, kidney disease, some types of cancer like leukemia and lymphoma, autoimmune diseases, HIV, tuberculosis, hypothyroidism, certain types of medications or treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer and exposure to toxins, such as lead to name a few.” Pointing out that genetic conditions like Fanconi anaemia, Schwachman-Diamond syndrome and congenital dyskeratosis can also cause anaemia in individuals, Alok Khettry said, “Increased red blood cell destruction: These conditions can also be acquired or inherited. A good, balanced diet will help women deliver healthy babies and recover faster from the process of childbirth as well.” He highlighted, “Some good food sources of iron include meats including beef, pork, lamb, liver, and other organ meats, poultry including chicken, duck, turkey, and liver, especially dark meat, fish including shellfish, sardines, anchovies, clams, mussels, and oysters, types of cabbage including broccoli, kale, turnip greens, and collards, legumes like lima beans, green peas, canned baked beans, yeast leavened whole wheat bread and iron-enriched white bread, pasta, and cereals.” Collaborative Solutions for a Healthier Future Alok Khettry concluded, “In the collective effort to understand and address anaemia's impact on reproductive health, collaboration is key.