Jakarta (ANTARA) – Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at Siloam Manado Hospital, Dr. Grace Imelda Thungari, Sp.OG reminded of the importance of protecting Indonesian women from anemia.
This is because women of productive age who are healthy will continue the sustainability of future generations who are also healthy to achieve a superior Indonesia in the future.
However, iron deficiency anemia (ADB) is still a health problem experienced by many young women and mothers.
“Everyone is at risk for ADB, from infants to the elderly. Infants are at risk of experiencing ADB 39 percent, children are 27 percent, adolescents are 32 percent, women of reproductive age are 18 percent, seniors they are 42 percent and the highest is in pregnant women, meaning 49 percent or 5 out of 10 pregnant women experience ADB,” Grace Imelda said in her statement Thursday.
In Indonesia, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (ADB) is highest in pregnant women. Diseases due to malnutrition that are common around the world, including Indonesia, should not occur as long as mothers meet their daily iron intake. ADB in pregnancy not only negatively impacts the mother but also the baby.
In general, ADB will reduce stamina, reduce thinking power, be less enthusiastic and less productive, while pregnant women with ADB are at risk of experiencing premature labor and giving birth to small babies or low birth weight babies (LBW).
Grace Imelda then explained that anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin levels in the body below normal. “Lack of red blood cells is caused by iron deficiency. About 62% of people with anemia are caused by iron deficiency.”
Iron is an important element in the formation of hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells. According to the WHO website, hemoglobin is required to carry oxygen and if the number of red blood cells is too small or the hemoglobin is insufficient, there will be a decrease in the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to the tissues of the body. WHO also states that anemia is a major global public health problem primarily affecting children and pregnant women.
Quoted from gooddoctor.co.id, during pregnancy, the body needs twice as much iron. The need for iron increases because the required blood volume increases by 30 to 50% during pregnancy.
The body needs more blood in order to carry oxygen for the mother and baby. Anemia in early pregnancy and in the second trimester can also increase the risk of blood loss during delivery and make it harder for the body to fight off infections.
In fact, more severe anemia can put a child at higher risk for anemia later in infancy. Iron deficiency anemia in infants can also cause neurodevelopmental disorders. If left untreated, this condition can lead to behavioral and memory impairment.
People with ADB will feel weak, tired, lethargic, have difficulty concentrating, sometimes shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands and feet, and insomnia which is most often experienced by pregnant women. Meanwhile, the visible symptoms are visible pallor of the conjunctiva, brittle or spoon-shaped nails, chapped lips, and frequent lesions and hair loss. However, to be sure, a blood test is needed to determine hemoglobin levels. The Ministry of Health states that pregnant women are considered anemic if their Hb content is <11 g/dl.
Iron is a mineral in the body that can actually be obtained from everyday food. For example, lean beef, chicken, chicken eggs, salmon, broccoli, beans, spinach, tofu, cereals and fruits that contain vitamin C.
If it is not enough, iron supplements should be given. The need for iron in pregnant women increases, so supplements should be given. “To prevent anemia in pregnant women, in the first trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women should have their Hb levels checked.
Thereafter, pregnant women should take iron supplements. WHO recommends iron supplements for adolescents and adult women of up to 30-60 mg of iron plus 400 micrograms of folic acid, Dr. Grace said.
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He also shared tips on choosing iron supplements, one of which is to choose one that contains 30mg of iron according to WHO recommendations. Also, choose supplements that not only contain iron, but are also packed with vitamins C, B6, B12, and copper to boost Hb formation in the body. “A supplement that doesn’t taste too metallic and has minimal side effects like constipation or nausea.”
Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women and young women has received serious attention from the Indonesian government. Since 1990, the government has launched a Blood Supplement Tablet (TTD) program for pregnant women to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia and become one of the specific interventions to accelerate the reduction of stunting. Meanwhile for young women the TTD program started from 2014.
Anemia in girls not only impacts their health and academic performance, but also their risk of anemia when they become pregnant. Adolescent girls are said to be anemic if their Hb is <12 g/dl.
This news was published on Antaranews.com with the headline: The importance of protecting Indonesian women from anemia
