‘Over 45 per cent kids in capital are anaemic’

New Delhi: A recent study revealed that more than 45.28 per cent children in the national capital within the age bracket of zero to 20 years are found to be anaemic in nature. It also revealed that in the age bracket of 0-10 years around 43.77 per cent of children tested showed abnormal signs of haemoglobin levels and it further increased to 47.76 per cent for children tested in the age bracket of 10-20 years.

The data analysis study conducted by Metropolis Healthcare found that the most common cause of anaemia is the Iron deficiency anaemia. While some of the conditions are inherited, at times there can be other reasons for a child to suffer from anaemia.

Commenting on the study, the chief pathologist at the Metropolis Healthcare, Dr Geeta Chopra, said: “It is important to consume food rich in Iron. Vitamin C helps in absorption of Iron and should always be included in the diet. Another important thing to keep in mind is that tea and coffee interferes with the absorption of Iron. Regular monitoring of haemoglobin levels will assure you that your child does not have anaemia.”

Health experts suggested that the most common signs to watch out for anaemia would be lethargy, unexplained fatigue, pale skin, and pale eyes.