40% of Pakistanis suffer from iron deficiency

People of all ages may face this problem; periodical screening of Hb, sugar levels advised

KARACHI:

Iron is the most important mineral for the proper functioning of the human body and its deficiency can result into serious complications on people of all ages. To raise awareness about this issue, an Iron Deficiency Day is celebrated globally on November 26. The purpose of the day is to highlight how iron deficiency can take away colours from life.

As per a report, 30 per cent of population in Pakistan is suffering from this problem which is responsible for 40 per cent of maternal death and unfortunately adolescent females are also at a high risk of suffering from it.

Expressing his views CCO at Martin Dow Marker (MDM), Rashid Hasan Khan said, ''According to the national health survey, iron deficiency is the largest nutritional deficiency affecting 1.62 billion people around the globe. The most affected group is preschool-age children, with a prevalence of 47 per cent, followed by pregnant women (41 per cent), non-pregnant women (30 per cent), school-age children(25 per cent), and people older than 60 years of age (24 per cent); men are the least affected group (12 per cent).

Consequences of iron deficiency are devastating and it is high time that people take iron balanced diet, regularly monitor their HB levels and immediately consult a doctor in case symptoms appear."

He further said, 'In a series of activities, MDM engaged 3,000 doctors to raise awareness among the general public. Awareness walks, academic sessions, medical seminars, camps to monitor Hb and blood levels and virtual information sessions were conducted to highlight the severity of the disease and it complications for all age groups.''

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2021.