Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340 Volume 1, Number 1 (2014), pp. 1 - 8
© Arya PG College, Panipat & Business Press India Publication, Delhi
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Impact of Iron Supplementation and Nutrition Education on Nutrient Intake of Anemic Adolescent Girls of Kurukshetra District

Madhu Gupta, G.K Kochar, Tarvinderjeet Kaur, Sonali Gupta
1Head, Department of Home Science, Indira Gandhi National College, Ladwa (Haryana), India
2Ex- Head, Department of Home Science, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra (Haryana), India
3Head, Department of Home Science, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra (Haryana), India
4Lecturer, Department of Home Science, Govt.College, Kalka (Haryana), India
Email: madhugupta08@yahoo.com

Abstract

Adolescence is termed as transient period from childhood to adulthood. Nutritional problems in adolescent girls are very common in these days throughout the country. They are facing series of serious nutritional challenges affecting their growth and development. Iron deficiency anemia has also its adverse effect on their work capacity and reproductive outcome. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to study the supplementation impact of iron rich diet and nutrition education on anemic adolescent girls. To judge their anemic status, hemoglobin of each subject was determined. Hundred and eighty anemic girls (13-15 years old) were selected and divided into four different experimental groups. Iron in three forms of supplements was given to three experimental groups for two months and the subjects of fourth group served as control. Nutrition education related to nutrition and anemia was imparted. Information regarding nutritional awareness and their dietary intake was collected before the start and at the termination of experimental trial by using 24 hour recall method for three consecutive days. Per cent increase was calculated for three main nutrients i.e. calories, protein and iron. Before starting the experimental trial, it was observed that intake of these nutrients was much less than the recommended allowances. Interestingly, intake of calorie and protein was found higher in the subjects of high income ranges whereas intake of iron was noticed more in the subjects of low income ranges. After the experimental trial, maximum increase was spotted in the intake of iron by the subjects belonging to middle income range getting the supplements of iron rich food alone and iron tablet alone.

Keywords: Adolescent Girls, Anemia, Nutrition Education, Pamphlets, Supplementation.