Hyderabad: Early screening of children for anaemia followed by timely treatment with iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements can reduce childhood anaemia by nearly 80%, according to a recent study by the ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad.The findings, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, are based on a study conducted among children living in urban slums of Hyderabad. Scientists from the NIN screened 825 children below five years of age and found 282 of them to be anaemic. Of these, 248 children with mild to moderate anaemia were enrolled in a three-month intervention programme.Under the study, children received govt-recommended IFA syrup under the central govt’s Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) programme. The researchers also examined whether adding probiotics (beneficial live microorganisms, often called good bacteria that help maintain gut health and support digestion) could further improve iron absorption and gut health.The findings showed that iron-folic acid treatment alone produced remarkable benefits. While the average haemoglobin levels increased by nearly 2 grams per decilitre after treatment, the prevalence of anaemia fell by around 80%, while iron deficiency dropped by more than 95%. Iron-deficiency anaemia was completely eliminated among children who completed the intervention.However, the study found that adding probiotics offered no additional advantage. Children who received probiotics along with iron-folic acid supplements showed similar improvements to those who received only iron-folic acid therapy.“The intervention relied on iron-folic acid syrup supplements provided through public health programmes, not on families purchasing medicines themselves. We ensured high compliance of over 80% by directly supervising supplementation and regularly following up with parents,” said Dr Teena Dasi, author of the study and NIN scientist.Dr Ravindranadh Palika, another author, said the study highlights the importance of identifying anaemia early and treating affected children promptly. He noted that while iron-rich foods remain important for long-term prevention, therapeutic iron-folic acid supplementation was the key factor behind the sharp reduction in anaemia observed in the study.
