Iron

Research

B12 Deficiency in Children is Huge Yet Overlooked Problem: Study

London: Vitamin B12 deficiency in infants leads to poor motor development and anaemia, according to a study which stated that its deficiency is an enormous yet overlooked problem. For many years, there has been a focus on vitamin A, zinc and iron deficiencies when it comes to malnutrition across the globe, whereas there is a paucity of research on B12 deficiency. A lack of vitamin B12 doesn't just potentially lead to anaemia, it can damage the nervous system. And for young children, B12 is crucial for brain development. "B12 deficiency is one of the most overlooked problems out there when it comes to malnutrition. And unfortunately, we can see that the food relief we provide today is not up to the task," said Henrik Friis, first author of the study and a professor at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports. A team from University of Copenhagen and Doctors Without Borders conducted a study among 1,000 children with acute malnutrition aged 6-23 months in Africa's Burkina Faso. The results, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, showed a strong correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and poor motor development and anaemia. The children's B12 levels were measured both before and after three months of daily food relief rations containing the recommended B12 content. During the period when children were provided with food relief, their B12 levels increased, before decreasing considerably once the programme was stopped. Even after three months of food relief, one-third of the children continued to have low or marginal levels of B12 stored. The unfortunate explanation is that there is a cap on how much B12 can be absorbed. "A child's gut can only absorb 1 microgram of B12 per meal. So, if a child is lacking 500 micrograms, it will take much longer than the few weeks that they have access to emergency food relief," explained Vibeke Brix Christensen, paediatrician and medical advisor with Doctors Without Borders. She points out that it might make a difference to divide the necessary amount of vitamin B12 across several meals, which would probably allow children to absorb the same amount of B12 each time. (Agency) Read More► Study Reveals Why 7 Hours of Sleep is Optimal in Middle Age
Ayurveda News

Preventing Iron deficiency Via Ayurveda

Out of a number of deficiencies that bring health problems in general and to women in particular, iron deficiency is the leading one. Iron is necessary for producing haemoglobin that carries oxygen in the blood. When our metabolic system lacks enough iron, our body doesn't get the required energy. And it happens due to the lack of iron in the diet, or when the body itself is unable to absorb iron from the food we eat. Ayurveda, being a science of life and longevity recognises the importance of having adequate iron levels for good health, especially for women. Dr Saurabh Sharma, Medical Superintendent, Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital, says: "Women are one of the vibrant lots, who play multiple roles in their lives that demand focus and integrative energy. However, due to over-burdening of work and the lack of proper dietary intake, sometimes, their bodies hold them back from performing at par in every sphere. And probably that is due to iron deficiency. Actually, iron deficiency could lead to fatigue, headaches, dizziness, damaged hair and skin, heart palpitations etc. These problems can often deprive them of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and hampers the work ecosystem. Also, the iron-deficiency leads to anaemia." Adding further, he said, "It is seen that due to multiplicity of work, women suffer from fatigue and tiredness, low immunity, frequent headaches, pale skin, brittle nails, pale lips, hair loss, restless leg syndrome, depression and shortness of breath. And these problems may be due to iron deficiency because one out of 3 people is prone to iron deficiency. And the requirement of iron deficiency can't be fulfilled by the regular diet because our body can only extract 3 per cent iron from the plant source and 15 per cent from animal source diets. Therefore, to fulfil the requirement of iron that our body, especially the body of women needs Ayurvedic iron supplements, which correct the iron deficiency and anaemia." It takes a while to develop symptoms of iron deficiency because the body uses stored and recycled iron to form new blood cells. And when the body is not able to provide enough iron, red blood cells begin to deplete, which is called the iron deficiency. Ram Shrivastava, Director, Maharishi Ayurveda, says: "Iron deficiency is a commonly occurring problem, which is especially found in women. This is one of the major causes of anaemia. This is a critical mineral that helps the body in producing red blood cells (RBC) that contain metalloprotein, which carries oxygen molecules and nutrition for cells in the blood. Lesser number of RBCs means lesser nutritional supply and oxygenation of cells, which depletes tissues and weakens organs of the body. However, herbal iron supplements increase the number of RBCs in the blood and rejuvenate all the organs of the body and cure problems like fatigue, lethargy, breathlessness, and stress effectively. Apart from these, it might be useful for the COVID infected patients, whose Hb levels are dipping followed by aches and pains." Read More► Surgeries by Ayurvedic Medics will Create Havoc: SC Seeks Centre's Reply
CoronaVirus Updates

Iron deficiency during infancy reduces

London, July 29 (IANS) Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the researchers have found that iron deficiency during infancy may reduce the protection that vaccinations provide.Findings from two clinical studies with children in Kenya, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, revealed that Iron deficiency is linked to vaccine efficacy.In their first study, the research group led by Michael Zimmermann from the ETH Zurich University in Switzerland worked in collaboration with scientists from Kenya, the UK, the Netherlands and the US.Their aim was to determine the levels of body iron and antibodies against antigens from the administered vaccines in blood samples of 303 Kenyan children followed from birth to age 18 months."In Kenya and other sub-Saharan countries, iron reserves in babies are much lower, especially in those born to anaemic mothers or with low birth weight," Zimmermann said.The study showed that more than half the children were already suffering from anaemia at the age of 10 weeks, and by 24 weeks, more than 90 per cent had low haemoglobin and red blood cell counts.Using statistical analyses, the team was able to show the following: despite several vaccinations, the risk of finding a lack of protective antibodies against diphtheria, pneumococci and other pathogens in the blood of 18-month-olds was more than twice as high in anaemic infants compared to those who were not anaemic.In a second study, the research team administered a powder containing micronutrients to 127 infants slightly over six months old on a daily basis for four months.In 85 of these children, the powder also contained iron; the other 42 children received no iron supplement. When the children were vaccinated against measles at the age of nine months- those children who also received iron as a dietary supplement developed a stronger immune response.Not only did they have more measles antibodies in their blood at the age of 12 months, but their antibodies were also better at recognising the pathogens, the researchers said.The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends feeding infants exclusively with breastmilk for the first six months to avoid infection with diseases transmitted in contaminated water.For that reason, the research team did not give the children the dietary supplement powder until they were seven months old.The research team believe that adopting the recommendation would be a good move because preventing anaemia in young children by supplementing the iron in their diet would improve the protection provided by other vaccinations.--IANSbu/rt
CoronaVirus Updates

UP anganwadi workers to distribute iron tablets to young girls

Lucknow, April 21 (IANS) With anganwadi kendras across the state shut amid the nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus scare, anganwadi workers will reach out to young girls out of school to deliver iron supplement tablets at their doorsteps every week.Amit Mohan Prasad, Chief Secretary (Health), has issued directions in this regard to the District Magistrates and Chief Medical Officers of all districts and directed for ensuring social distancing during the drive.The anganwadi workers have been asked to maintain details of distribution of the Iron Folic Acid (IFA) blue tablets to the young school dropouts, which will indicate the actual use of these health supplements and help determine the demand for coming months.National Health Mission General Manager Manoj Shukla said that these tablets were distributed to ensure the young girls were not anaemic.During the distribution of tablets, the anganwadi workers will also make these young girls aware of personal hygiene and overall healthcare.--IANSHindi/tsb
Food and Nutrition

5 foods to eliminate iron deficiency

Iron deficiency, more commonly known as anaemia, occurs when the body is low in red blood cell count. Iron is the most important component used in the creation of red blood cells, which enables them to carry oxygen around the body. Thus, a decline in the iron levels can lead to a number of maladies, which can be life-threatening, if left unchecked, says Rohit Shelatkar, VP at Vitabiotics Ltd and Fitness & Nutrition Expert. Some of the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency include: Extreme fatigue Pale skin Shortness of breath Cold hands and feet Dizziness and anxiety Brittle nails If this remains unchecked, it can lead to severe complications like heart problems, trouble during pregnancy and growth issues. Iron deficiency in the body can occur due to common causes such as poor diet, heavy blood loss, pregnancy, and the body's decreased ability to absorb iron. To avoid these complications, it is very crucial to maintain good iron intake. The risk of iron deficiency can be reduced by consumption of foods rich in iron. There are two types of iron in foods: Heme iron and Nonheme iron, explains Shelatkar . Heme iron is found in meat, poultry, and seafood. Non Heme iron is found in plant foods and foods fortified with iron. Some of the foods that should be consumed include: Red meat, pork and poultry Seafood Eggs Beans Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas Peas The body absorbs more iron from meat as opposed to other sources of food. Thus, vegetarians and people who choose not to consume meat may need to increase intake of plant-based foods that are rich in iron, in order to get the same levels of the mineral as one who consumes meat, Shelatkar points out. The body's absorption of iron can be boosted by eating foods rich in Vitamin C, in order to achieve the desired levels, as they help the stomach absorb iron from food. Some of the best foods that aid in this process include fruits and vegetables like broccoli, tomatoes, kiwis, oranges, strawberries and peppers. Other than this, one can use iron supplements. Care must be taken not to overdo it, as there can be unpleasant side effects of consuming too many iron supplements like stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea, heartburn and nausea. Slow release capsules or tablets or low dose liquid supplements could be ideal. (Puja Gupta)
Ayurveda News

7 best vitamins for athletes

In the world of health and fitness, a balanced diet coupled with a healthy lifestyle is the foundation for athletes to build on their bodies, keep their energy levels high to beat fatigue and perform at their best. While all vitamins and minerals are crucial and essential for the overall health and fitness, here are the top seven nutrients that are very instrumental in building performance for athletes, suggested by Rohit Shelatkar, VP at Vitabiotics Ltd and Fitness & Nutrition Expert Omega 3 Omega 3 fatty acids help regulate one's hormones and the heart rate, and lower blood pressure. The biggest source of omega 3 is fish oils, which are very good for cardiovascular health besides strengthening the muscles and joints. They also act as good supplements to one's mental health. Magnesium Magnesium regulates neuromuscular, cardiovascular, immune, and hormonal functioning. Lack of magnesium in an athlete's diet can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue, injury and can affect one's mental well-being. Good sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, fruits like bananas, figs, avocado and raspberries, nuts and seeds, legumes, seafood and vegetables like peas, broccoli, brussels, and sprouts among others. Vitamin D3 The kind of high intensity training undertaken by athletes puts a lot of pressure on the bones and joints. Fragile bones will eventually lead to injuries and impair development. That is why Vitamin D3 is very essential for increasing calcium absorption and strengthening the immune system (by fighting free radicals). Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D but there are foods rich in Vitamin D like egg yolks, fatty fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon, soy milk, cheese among others. B Vitamins B-vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine (B6), pantothenic acid, biotin, folate, and B12, are important requirements for any athlete because they are involved in energy production while working out and micro-nutrients like folate and B12 are required to produce red blood cells, protein synthesis, and in tissue repair and maintenance. Popular sources of vitamins are whole grains, eggs and dairy products, red meat, fish, legumes, seeds and nuts, and dark leafy vegetables among others. Iron Very active individuals and athletes who train for more than 6 hours every day need to be wary of iron-deficiency anaemia because they would be burning their iron stores faster than sedentary and non-athletic people. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Rapid loss of iron will reduce endurance and make one dull and lethargic. Foods like dark green leafy vegetables, lentils, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains and dry fruits are rich sources of iron. Vitamin C Vitamin C has immune-boosting properties and is especially an essential vitamin for athletes training outdoors because it prevents airborne viruses and common colds. Rich sources of Vitamin C are citrus fruits and strawberries, and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and capsicum among others. Vitamin E While Vitamin E does not improve overall athletic performance, it is an important antioxidant for athletes because it prevents oxidative cellular damage, reduces the risk of picking up viruses from public spaces, increases one's anaerobic threshold, lowers output of pentane and lactic acid, and eases muscle cramps that can happen during physical activity. Dark green leafy vegetables and fish or foods that contain fat are high sources of vitamin E. (BY PUJA GUPTA)