59% Indian women are anaemic: Study

MUMBAI: A study to analyze women who have undergone preventive health check-ups across the country show that anaemia and vitamin D deficiency are rampant across different age groups. Both may lead to several ailments, ranging from mild aches and fatigue to bone diseases and even cancer.

As many as 59% women were found to be anaemic in the country, with the eastern region having a significantly higher prevalence at 72.12% than the rest of the country.

Around 45% women from the western region were found to be severely lacking in adequate haemoglobin levels in blood. Around 25 lakh women had undergone testing for anaemia between 2012 and 2014.

Among women who underwent lipid profile tests, around 31% were found to have at least one abnormal parameter. Here too, women from eastern India topped the list with 34.8% having abnormal levels of triglycerides, LDL, HDL or complete cholesterol. Women from the western region fared better here with nearly 70% showing the right levels.

The thyroid disorder was found to be present among 27% of the women tested from across the country.

The survey also found that the deficiency of vitamin D was rampant with 76% across the country having lower levels.