Anaemia in Teenage Girls: A Scientific Approach : Navratri special awareness- Day 1

  

Anaemia in Teenage Girls: A Scientific Approach : Navratri special awareness- Day 1

# Introduction :-

•      Anaemia, a condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood, is a global health concern, especially among teenage girls. This article delves into the scientific aspects of anaemia in teenage girls, its causes, symptoms, and preventive measures. Given the crucial developmental phase during adolescence, anaemia can significantly affect both physical and cognitive development, making early intervention and education vital.

#1.] Understanding Anaemia in Teenage Girls :-

•     Anaemia is primarily caused by iron deficiency, but it can also be linked to vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, and chronic diseases. Teenage girls are particularly vulnerable due to rapid growth, onset of menstruation, and dietary deficiencies.

* Statistics :-

- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 40% of adolescent girls worldwide suffer from anaemia.

- In India, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reported that 59% of girls aged 15–19 years are anaemic, with varying degrees of severity.

•       The condition often goes unnoticed because its symptoms — fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath — are easily overlooked or mistaken for typical teenage fatigue. However, untreated anaemia can lead to more severe health issues, including impaired cognitive function and delayed growth.

#2.] Causes of Anaemia in Teenage Girls :-

a. ) Iron Deficiency :-

•       Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia among teenage girls. This occurs due to the body's increased demand for iron during growth spurts and menstruation. Additionally, poor dietary intake of iron-rich foods can exacerbate this deficiency.

 b.) Menstruation :-

•       Menstrual bleeding leads to iron loss, which, if not compensated through diet, can result in anaemia. This is especially true for girls with heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), where the blood loss is significant.

 c. ) Dietary Deficiencies :-

•       Many teenage girls follow poor diets that are deficient in essential nutrients such as iron, folate, and vitamin B12. The consumption of junk food, which lacks nutritional value, further contributes to these deficiencies.

# 3.]  Symptoms of Anaemia :-

A) Fatigue and Weakness :-

•     Persistent tiredness even after adequate rest is one of the most common signs.

B) Pale Skin :-

•      A noticeable pallor, especially in the face and hands.

C) Shortness of Breath :-

•     Even minimal physical exertion can lead to breathlessness.

D) Dizziness and Lightheadedness 

E) Poor Concentration :-

•     Cognitive functions may be impaired, leading to difficulties in focusing on studies.

F) Cold Hands and Feet

  

# 4. ] Preventive Measures and Treatments :-

 a. ] Dietary Interventions :-

•       Incorporating iron-rich foods into the diet is the first step towards combating anaemia. Foods like spinach, lentils, beans, fortified cereals, and lean meats are excellent sources of iron. Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C (found in citrus fruits) enhances iron absorption.

 b. ] Iron Supplements :-

•      For those unable to meet their iron needs through diet alone, iron supplements are recommended. Experts suggest consulting a healthcare provider for proper dosage, as excessive iron can lead to toxicity.

c. ] Regular Health Monitoring :-

•    Tracking haemoglobin levels regularly, especially in girls prone to anaemia, can help in early diagnosis and treatment.

# 5.] Expert Opinions :-

•      Dr. Seema Singh, a renowned paediatrician, says, “Anaemia in adolescent girls" is a silent epidemic. Parents and schools must take active steps to educate young girls about the importance of nutrition, especially during menstruation. Regular screenings for haemoglobin levels should be encouraged.

• The WHO has also issued a global call to action, emphasizing the need to reduce anaemia in adolescent girls by promoting dietary changes and supplementation programs.

# 6. ] Real-World Example :-

•          In 2019, the Indian government launched the “Anemia Mukt Bharat” initiative aimed at reducing anaemia across all age groups. The program focuses on weekly iron and folic acid supplementation, deworming, and regular health screenings in schools. Early reports suggest a marked improvement in the awareness and management of anaemia among teenage girls in rural areas.

# 7 ] Recommended Health App for Tracking Anaemia :-

•         To monitor haemoglobin levels and track symptoms of anaemia, “ HealthifyMe ” is a highly recommended app. It provides personalized diet plans, tracks nutrient intake, and offers real-time consultation with nutritionists. The app also includes a feature to log and monitor daily health metrics, including haemoglobin levels, making it ideal for teenagers and parents concerned about anaemia.

# 8. ]  Best quality Health Products and Book:-

  # Top 5 Health Products for Anaemia in teenage girls :-

1.) Iron-Rich Multivitamin for Teenage Girls :– 

      🖇️ https://amzn.to/4gIWkyf

•    A balanced multivitamin supplement specifically designed for teenage girls.

2.) Vitamin C Chewable Tablets :-

       🖇️ https://amzn.to/3Nav26p

•        Enhances iron absorption when paired with iron-rich foods or supplements.

3.) Ferrous Sulphate Iron Supplement :-

        🖇️ https://amzn.to/3ZGci6d

•         A high-quality iron supplement ideal for preventing and treating iron deficiency.

4.) Bliss Welness Teenage Girl Multivitamin / With Vitamin and Minerals, Calcium Magnesium Zinc, Aloe Vera Extract, Bamboo and Grapeseed Extract /For Immunity, Hair Skin Nails, Bone & Joint Health, - 60 Tablets

        🖇️ https://amzn.to/3NfJycR     

5.)  Namyaa Ayurvedic Formulation Anartava Syrup For Irregular Periods, 500 ml

        🖇️ https://amzn.to/3XWcITE

•      Regulates delayed & irregular periods and recover gently from PCOs and PCOD symptoms without any side effects or counter effects.

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# Top 5 Best-Selling Books on Anaemia 📚👇

1.] “Iron Disorders Institute Guide to Anemia”

        🖇️ https://amzn.to/3TSOb0h

•        Comprehensive information on iron-related disorders and effective treatments.

2.] "Hemochromatosis Cookbook: Recipes and Meals for Reducing the Absorption of Iron in Your Diet ” 

        🖇️ https://amzn.to/3TShQXD

•    A deep dive into various iron disorders, including anaemia.

3.] “ Being A Teenage Girl: Things Pre-Teen and Early Teenage Girls Should Know" (Illustrated Version) Mom's Choice Award"

         🖇️ https://amzn.to/3XRBJPy

•        Inspirational Book For Teenage Girls ,Mom's Choice Award Winner.

4.] “ How To Talk So Teens Will Listen & Listen So Teens Will Talk"

         🖇️ https://amzn.to/3XNH8aj

•      This user-friendly guide gives insights and tried-and-tested strategies to navigate the everyday challenges of life with teenagers, showing you how to put them into practice in real-life scenarios.

5.] “ The Girls' Guide to Growing Up Great: Changing Bodies, Periods, Relationships, Life Online"

       🖇️ https://amzn.to/4eqqaGh

•       Going through puberty? Thinking about puberty? Worried about growing up? This book is for you! Including teenage girls.

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# Conclusion :-

•         Anaemia in teenage girls is a pressing health concern, but it is manageable with the right knowledge and interventions. Early detection through regular health monitoring, dietary changes, and supplements can make a significant difference in a young girl’s life. Educating teenage girls and their families about the importance of iron in their diet, as well as providing tools such as apps and health products, will help in reducing the global burden of anaemia.

• By adopting a scientific approach and focusing on early prevention, we can ensure that teenage girls grow into healthy adults, free from the risks posed by anaemia.