Lotus Stem to Alleviate Anemia

Globally, iron deficiency anemia affects four to five billion people. The overall prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls is around 70 per cent. Food/plant based interventions are sustainable strategies to combat anemia. Lotus stem is a traditional plant exploited for its medicinal properties. It is rich in iron, hence this study aimed at assessing the impact of supplementation of lotus stem powder among the selected anemic adolescent girls. Forty five adolescent girls in the age group of 17¿21 years, with haemoglobin level between 5¿10.9 g/dL, were selected for the study. The selected adolescent girls were divided into two groups, control and experimental. The experimental group was further divided into two groups. One group was supplemented with lotus stem powder incorporated wheat mix another group was supplemented with lotus stem powder incorporated wheat mix along with lime juice for a period of two months. It was found that there was an improvement in haemoglobin level and reduction in total iron binding capacity level. Nutrition education was given to the subjects to impart nutrition knowledge to improve the adequacy of nutrient rich foods which dietaries.