Anemia, which is caused by iron deficiency, is a condition where a person’s blood lacks enough red blood cells to move oxygen effectively in the body. Anemia affects more people as compared to other diseases in the world (Ritchie & Roser, 2017). It has some crucial implications for the development of the body. Anemia lowers the individual’s capacity to work efficiently, which may affect their income.
Vitamin A deficiency is the major cause for treatable blindness in young people. It manifests itself as night blindness and may lead to cases of maternal and childhood mortality (Ritchie & Roser, 2017). The prevalence rates for North Africa, Middle East and Central Asia ranges between 20-25% of pregnant women (Ritchie & Roser, 2017). Most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have low cases ranging between 15-20% for the same mortality group.
Potential Impacts
The major potential impact of Anemia is low supply of oxygen in tissues which can cause poor growth, decreased activity, and limited circulatory reserve. The iron deficiency causes significant economic losses to the patient due to low physical productivity which may lower chances of income (Ritchie & Roser, 2017). As for the lifestyle, anemia causes one to have poor cognitive response which may alter the capacity to think and remember.
Vitamin A deficiency causes poor visibility where a patient loses the capability to see clearly. Economically, the deficiency makes a person not to work actively which may bring issues of performance, hence lose essential income channels (Ding & Jiang, 2020). The lifestyle of an individual suffering from vitamin A deficiency is characterized by low self-esteem since they do not have the confidence for gazing things with their eyes.
Strategies That Can Be Used
An individual can reduce or prevent Anemia by eating many iron-rich foods such as leafy vegetables, cereals, and bread. Additionally, it is advisable not to drink tea or take coffee with meals since they affect absorption (Ding & Jiang, 2020). Food and nutrition institutes can educate the public on the causes and possible preventive actions for the deficiency. It is also possible to provide iron-rich foods to pregnant women.
Reduction of vitamin A deficiency is possible through dietary inclusion of items such as bright-colored fruits, cooked liver, and egg yolks. On population levels, governments can impose polices that encourage care for the Vitamin A deficiencies after diagnosis (Ritchie & Roser, 2017). Additionally, it is essential to train food nutritionists on the possible ways to maintain good portions of vitamin A levels in the body.
References
Ding, T., & Jiang, Q. (2020). Improvement of vitamin A and trace elements in children with anemia. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 82(s1), 12-17.
Ritchie, H., & Roser, M. (2021). Micronutrient deficiency. Our World in Data.