IFA Therapy cuts childhood anaemia by 80%: Study

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Early screening and timely iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation can reduce childhood anaemia by nearly 77 percent and almost eliminate iron deficiency among young children, according to a study conducted by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), Hyderabad. The research also found that adding probiotics to the treatment provided no additional health benefits.

Published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study reported that haemoglobin levels in anaemic children increased by an average of 2 g/dL following treatment. Researchers observed a 98 percent reduction in iron deficiency, while iron deficiency anaemia was completely eliminated among children who completed the intervention.

The study was conducted in urban slums of Hyderabad, where 825 children below five years of age were screened for anaemia. Among them, 248 children aged 13 to 57 months with mild to moderate anaemia were enrolled in a 90-day randomised controlled trial. Scientists assessed the effectiveness of standard iron-folic acid supplementation with and without the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum.

To ensure reliable outcomes, supplementation was directly supervised and compliance levels exceeded 80 percent. The results showed substantial improvements in children's iron status and overall haemoglobin levels, reaffirming the effectiveness of early diagnosis and treatment under national guidelines.

Anaemia remains one of India's most significant public health challenges, particularly among children under five years of age. Iron deficiency during early childhood can adversely affect physical growth, cognitive development and immune function, making early detection and treatment essential.

Lead investigators Dr. Teena Dasi and Dr. Ravindranadh Palika said the findings demonstrate that screening children for anaemia and providing timely treatment as recommended under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat programme can significantly reduce anaemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia when adherence to treatment is high. They noted that probiotic supplementation was safe but did not improve haemoglobin levels, iron absorption, gut health indicators or protection against common childhood illnesses beyond the benefits achieved through iron-folic acid supplementation alone.

ICMR-NIN Director Dr. Bharati Kulkarni said the study provides strong scientific evidence supporting India's “Screen and Treat” strategy under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat programme. She added that routine probiotic co-supplementation may not be necessary in similar community settings, helping avoid additional programme costs without compromising treatment effectiveness.