Impact of Supplementation of Lotus Stem (Nelumbium Nelumbo) on the Iron Nutriture of Adolescent Girls (13-18 Yrs) in Manipur

Globally, Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) affects four to five billion people. In India, it is a major public health problem among preschoolers, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women. The overall prevalence of anaemia among 12 to 14 year adolescent girls is 69 per cent and for older adolescent girls (15-17 years), it is around 70 per cent. Anaemia among adolescents not only reduces work capacity and immuno - competence but also has adverse impact when they attain motherhood. The prevalence of anaemia in Manipur among women of the age group 14-42 years is 45 per cent. Dietary diversification and the modification of diets to increase the iron content or improve iron bioavailability is the feasible and sustainable strategy at household level. India is blessed with an array of plant foods rich in micronutrients, including iron. Lotus stem (Nelumbium nelumbo) is one of the locally available plant foods in Manipur.