Nutritional Anemias PDF

Preface

Nutritional anemias constitute the largest nutrition and health problem that affects populations in both developed and developing countries. While iron deficiency is the major cause of nutritional anemias in most settings, the roles of other nutrients (folic acid, vitamins B ₁₂ and C) and infections have received attention recently. The prevalence of nutritional anemia is very high among young children and women of reproductive age in many developing countries, especially in South Asia, and is associated with a range of functional consequences such as adverse pregnancy outcomes, limited school performance, and reduced work productivity. Considerable strides have been made in our knowledge of this important topic in the past 20 years in terms of research as well as experience in the planning and implementation of strategies for the prevention and control of nutritional anemias. However, much remains to be done.

It is hoped that this comprehensive book will serve as a timely and valuable resource for those working in the fields of public health and nutrition. Academics in university settings, practitioners in program implementation, and policy makers could use it in teaching and/or training activities. A balanced approach that combines knowledge of the etiology and consequences of nutritional anemias through the lifecycle with a discussion of current strategies, namely supplementation, fortification, food based strategies, and control of helminth infection in the prevention and control of nutritional anemias has been used. Special attention is paid to relevant research, controversies, and lessons learned from previous worldwide efforts toward finding solutions to eliminate this preventable condition.

As editor, I would like to acknowledge my contributors, leading experts in their fields, for the time they spent in preparing their thoughtful and well-written chapters despite their hectic schedules and other responsibilities. A debt of gratitude is owed to my mentor, Dr. Reynaldo Martorell, Chair, Department of International Health and Robert W. Woodruff Professor of International Nutrition, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, for his support, constant encouragement, and valuable guidance at various stages of this project. Last but not least, this book would not have been possible without the support of my family and the faculty, staff, and students at the Department of International Health, especially Nancy Sterk, Linda King, and Khaleelah Muwwakkil for their patience and understanding. Funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH-HD34531-02) is acknowledged.