Fri Jan 17 16:19:21 UTC 2025: ## New Study Challenges Conventional Wisdom on Anemia in India

**New Delhi, January 17, 2025** – A new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition challenges the long-held belief that iron deficiency is the primary cause of anemia in India. Research involving scientists from multiple Indian institutions reveals a more complex picture, implicating a range of factors, from vitamin B12 deficiency to air pollution, in the widespread prevalence of the condition.

The study, funded by the Department of Biotechnology, analyzed venous blood samples from nearly 4,500 individuals across eight Indian states. While the overall anemia prevalence was 34.9%, only 9% were diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. A significant 22% were categorized as having anemia of unknown origin, potentially linked to deficiencies in other nutrients, hemoglobinopathies, undetected blood loss, environmental factors, or air pollution.

The study also highlights a critical methodological issue. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), which reported significantly higher anemia rates (57.2% in women of reproductive age and 67.1% in children), utilized capillary blood samples, a method potentially less accurate than the venous blood sampling used in this new research. The difference in methodology may account for the discrepancy in prevalence rates. The World Health Organization now recommends venous blood sampling for anemia assessment.

Professor Anura Kurpad of St. John’s Medical College, a lead author on the study, emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach to tackling anemia in India. He argues that single-nutrient interventions, such as iron or folic acid supplementation, are insufficient. Instead, he advocates for a focus on diversifying diets and improving access to nutritious foods like fruits, milk, and vegetables to enhance nutrient absorption.

The Indian government’s “Anaemia Mukt Bharat” initiative, while encompassing multiple interventions, may need to be reassessed in light of these findings. The study underscores the complexity of anemia and the need for a multifaceted approach to address this significant public health challenge.

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