Anaemia redressal through Natural diet and Education - A prospective longitudinal trial

Anaemia remains a significant global and national public health concern, particularly affecting young children, adolescent girls, and women of reproductive age. In India, anaemia affects over half of all women in this group, primarily due to iron deficiency and poor dietary practices. Conventional iron supplementation often causes side effects and poor adherence. Natural, iron-rich foods like Moringa oleifera, curry leaves, and Hibiscus sabdariffa offer promising, bioavailable, and culturally acceptable alternatives. Combining these dietary interventions with structured health education may enhance adherence and provide sustainable improvements in anaemia and overall health. Objectives: To assess the short-term and long term impact of natural dietary supplements on haemoglobin levels and quality of life in women with anaemia.

Design: Prospective longitudinal trial, Setting: Community-based recruitment from local centres Sample Size: 100 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) with haemoglobin <12.0 g/dL Duration:1-month intervention, with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months Assessments: Conducted at baseline, end of intervention, and two follow-up points. Measures include: Biochemical markers (haemoglobin, CBC), Anthropometric measurements, Quality of life (SF-36), Menstrual pain (VAS), Vitality (Subjective Vitality Scale), Mental well-being (WEMWBS)