An Intervention Study to Combat Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adolescent Girls – Food  Fortification Strategy.

Lakshmi E¹,Parvathy Easwaran² and Saraswathy E^3*

¹S.R.M. College of Nursing,Potheri, Kattankulathur,Kancheepuram District Pin Code : 603203,TamilNadu, India

²Food Service Management and Dietetics, Sri Avinashilingam Deemed University-HomeScience, Coimbatore.

³Stella Maris college,ChennaiPin Code : 600 086,TamilNadu, India

Corresponding Author E-mail : e_s1a2r3@rediff.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2144

ABSTRACT: The study aimed at assessing  the impact of nutrition education and intervention  with a novel iron rich fortified beet-root extract among adolescent (12-18yrs) girls on the haemoglobin level and clinical symptoms related to nutritional  iron deficiency anaemia. 80 study participants (Haemoglobin <9gm/dl)  were randomly assigned to two study groups. 150ml of fortified beetroot extract was served to each of the  interventional subject on every alternate days for three months(45days). Control group was served with a placebo. Nutrition education was given to the study participants(n=80). Haemoglobin(cyanmethaemoglobin) and clinical assessment on  nutritional iron deficiency anaemia assessed . one way  anova and  students paired ‘t’ test was performed. Hypothesis was tested at 95 per cent confidence interval. Results: Conjunctival- paleness declined from  seventy five  percent (n=15) at the pre-test (13-15yrs) level  to 5 per cent(n=1),with  a significant (t=18.47, p< .0001)  impact(16-18yrs)  in the mean haemoglobin level. Conclusion: Fortified beet-root extract intervention had high impact on the nutritional status and blood profile. School girls model was found to be an effective intervention strategy to reach the susceptible population.

KEYWORDS: Fortification; Iron deficiency anaemia; Intervention; Placebo

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