Bengaluru April 12, 2022: AstraZeneca India Private Limited, the services arm of AstraZeneca, a leading science-led biopharmaceutical company, recently collaborated with The Akshaya Patra Foundation for the distribution of 5,000 ‘Shakti Kits’ in two districts – Yadgir and Raichur – in Karnataka.

The Bengaluru-based NGO’s ‘Shakti Kits’ aim is to support anaemic pregnant and lactating women with necessary nutritional supplements. These kits consist of wheat, green gram dal, ragi, soy protein concentrate, peanuts and sugar, all enriched with the added vitamins and minerals. These kits are also specially designed to extend the nutritional benefits towards infants.

“We are grateful to AstraZeneca for their support in our initiative towards eliminating child malnutrition. Our aim is to ward off this malady right at the grassroot – even before a child is born. This collaboration will help us provide the necessary nutritional value needed for pregnant and lactating women to maintain their health and give birth to the healthy future for this country. This donation will ensure equal healthcare opportunities for all,” said Mr. Sundeep Talwar, CMO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF).

 AstraZeneca India Private Limited has donated INR 41,25,000 towards the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s initiative in line with its goal to provide access to nutrition and healthcare for all sections of the society. Each ‘Shakti kit’ is worth INR 825 and includes iron-rich ayurvedic supplements, three-ply face masks and malt-based protein mix.

The kits also consist of a particular health supplement for infants which would help the beneficiaries fight concerns surrounding malnutrition including vitamin deficiency. Acknowledging the collaboration, Siva Padmanabhan, Managing Director, AstraZeneca India Private Limited  said, “At AstraZeneca, we truly believe our future depends on healthy people, a healthy society and a healthy planet. We believe that these elements are interconnected, and that together it is our responsibility to build a sustainable future. And this is possible only through cross-sectoral partnerships, with organisations like The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Their fervour towards this cause, and our shared vision made this partnership more meaningful and enriching. With this collaboration, we are one step closer towards reaching the collective goal of ending hunger and child malnutrition in India. ”

This initiative is one of the many such CSR projects being run by The Akshaya Patra Foundation in Karnataka. Apart from providing mid-day meals to government school children, the NGO is also running its pilot digital education programme in the state by donating android tablets to underprivileged students in a bid to bridge the digital divide created by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to The National Family Health Survey 2019-20, Karnataka has approximately 97,000 pregnant women per month, out of which 43,211 women were found to be anaemic.

Also read: Anaemia :10 Superfoods for increasing the blood health 

Lauding the joint endeavour, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, I.A.S, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Government of Karnataka, said, “The Akshaya Patra Foundation is doing a tremendous job in helping all sections of the society grow stronger and healthier together. Their efforts towards eradicating hunger and child malnutrition are already getting positive results and this collaboration will extend support towards the noble cause of providing nutritious food to expecting mothers, particularly in the aspirational Districts of Yadgir and Raichur. We are happy that Akshaya Patra Foundation is empowered on Akanksha Platform.”

A collaborative approach to this partnership can also allow the access of these Shakti Kits to pregnant and lactating women in other parts of the country.

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Ahmedabad: At least 6-8 crore adolescent girls in India are anaemic due to iron deficiency, according to leading gynaecologists from Ahmedabad, who also opined that eradicating anaemia is possible in a few years through greater awareness and targeted initiatives.

“In India, anaemia is one of the important causes of maternal mortality. When a pregnant woman is anaemic, complications related to pregnancy are aggravated. Twenty to thirty per cent of maternal mortality cases are linked to anaemia,” said Dr. Alpesh Gandhi, former president of Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI).

Dr. Gandhi was addressing Haem Up India, an initiative by Cadila Pharmaceuticals aimed at creating awareness about iron deficiency, the most common cause of anaemia, on the occasion of Iron Deficiency Day on November 26 at Sabarmati Riverfront.

He also said that while iron deficiency anaemia is a worldwide problem, its magnitude is severe in India with more than 50% of women and adolescent girls being anaemic. “Six to eight crore adolescent girls in India are anaemic at any given point of time,” he said.

In her remarks, Dr. Darshana Thakkar attributed high iron deficiency levels to change in food habits. “The journey from bhakhri to pizza and sukhdi to cake has led to not just iron deficiency but also the deficiency of other nutrients,” she said, stressing a change in mindset can help in overcoming iron deficiency and anaemia.

According to a survey conducted by FOGSI last year, 92% of the doctors opined that anaemia due to iron deficiency can be eradicated in five years.

Professor Namrata Bajaj, In-charge Dean of School of Economics & Management at Indrashil University (IU), said, “The responsibility of educational institutes is not just limited to teaching, but creating awareness and contributing to a healthy India. Healthy women are a must for a healthy India, and we must all work together for various campaigns. I am confident that Cadila Pharmaceuticals and Indrashil University are going to make a big difference to the cause.”

As a part of this initiative, the CSR team of Cadila Pharma along with IU had conducted a screening camp of Anaemia along with Thalassemia and sickle cell Anaemia for women. Blood samples of 152 female students were collected and screened for thalassemia. The awareness program was carried out in partnership with Indian Red Cross Society to share more information on thalassemia and anaemia, their causes and how one can cope with them.

“Through our initiatives, we want to raise awareness amongst women especially young girls, as intervention is required at a young age. Cadila has been fighting Anaemia for more than 40 years and we are committed to finding better healthcare solutions and keep providing affordable medicines to all.”, Rajeev Saxena, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Cadila Pharmaceuticals.

Other leading gynaecologists such as Dr. Vandana Amin, Dr. Parul Patel, Dr. Nita Thakre, Dr. Kamini Patel, and Dr. Sarda Devi Madalapu also addressed the audience and shared their insights into iron deficiency and ways to overcome it. Several noted gynaecologists from across the country also shared short awareness messages, which were circulated via social media. All the expert participants signed a pledge to make India anaemia-free. The event concluded with a musical performance.

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Recent studies has shown that 6 in 10 women from 36 cities of India have low haemoglobin levels indicating iron deficiency anaemia. Anaemia is a condition that develops when there is lack of healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood. The incidence of anaemia was reported highest in the 20-50 age group.

 In its recent study on anaemia, Metropolis Healthcare found that 6 in 10 women from 36 cities of India have low haemoglobin levels indicating iron deficiency, anaemia. Anaemia is a condition that develops when there is lack of healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood. The incidence of anaemia was reported highest in the 20-50 age group.

For this study, Metropolis Healthcare had tested 17,00,000 samples of girls and women over a period of two years. In Mumbai, Metropolis tested 11,41,600 samples of girls and women. Among them, 6 in 10 samples were tested anaemic. In Mumbai, amongst the age group of 20-50, the anaemia prevalence was higher.

 What is anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition that develops when there is lack of healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin is a main component of the RBCs that binds oxygen into the blood stream. Our bodies need the mineral iron to create this haemoglobin. If one has too few or abnormal red blood cells or if haemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in the body will not get enough oxygen. Symptoms of anaemia like weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, irregular heartbeats, brittle nails, and pale skin occurs because our organs aren’t getting what they need to function properly. However, this mild condition maybe easily fixed with the help of medicinal supplements and diet adjustments.

 The most common reason for anaemia is a deficiency of iron which can be taken care of with supplements and good nutrition. But in India, women continue to live with anaemia. Menstruating girls and women are more deficient due to the monthly blood loss. The most common signs to watch out for anaemia would be lethargy, unexplained fatigue, pale skin and pale eyes. In kids, more severe form of anaemia is characterized by a behaviour called as pica where the child builds a tendency to eat dirt, clay and other unusual substances. This is not a harmful behaviour and disappears once anaemia is cured.

Anaemia symptoms are mistaken as cause of stress and overwork. While routine blood tests like Complete Blood Cell (CBC) count can give us an overall picture on the status of Hb and Red Blood Cell components, it is important to undergo thorough diagnosis to find out the exact cause of anaemia. Other causes of anaemia may include internal bleeding and our body’s inability to absorb iron. Whatever the cause, it is important to get diagnosed early on to avoid further complications and correct the condition, as soon as possible.

While iron deficiency induced anaemia and pregnancy are two of the largest causes of mild and moderate anaemia, some cases of severe anaemia may have serious underlying causes, which may affect a person’s quality of life. These include Beta Talassemia, Macrocytic Anaemia and other Chronic Diseases with permanent consequences.

Dr Mayur Nigalye, Head of Department, Hematology

Metropolis Healthcare, Mumbai

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In the super epic Mahabharat, King Pandu, also famously known as the father of the pancha pandavas has a story for his Pandutwa (paleness). He is the son of Ambalika and Vyasa. During conception, Ambalika was frightened with Vyasa’s scary appearance and had become pale hence, her son was born pale, and so he was named Pandu. Ayurveda emphasis on the disease Anaemia or ‘Pandu’ (emphasizing the cardinal symptom- pale skin) with complete description of the causes, signs and symptoms, complications and treatment modalities. In Pandu, there is prabha (lustre) and kanti (charm) depletion which is due to rakta (Blood tissue) and ojakshaya (Ojas is the subtle essence of the physical body. It is that bright zeal that gives an extra health boost).

Anaemia is a blood disorder characterized by reduced levels of haemoglobin and its oxygen carrying capacity. Patients suffering from Pandu are usually unaware of the fact that, this disease can lead to some very serious complications in them. Anaemia is in fact a mark of a disease route rather than a disease itself. It is typically categorised as either chronic or acute.  Chronic anaemia occurs over a long period of time. Acute anaemia occurs quickly. It is found that nutritional deficiency is the major etiological factor of the disease. Anaemia can occur due to production defects, maturation defects, and nutritional deficiencies, genetic factors, impaired metabolism of spleen, metabolic disorders etc.

The damage to standard colour of body or discolouration of skin is recognised as ‘Panduta’ (Pallor). When one is anaemic, the natural pink is lesser and much yellow or whitish tinge gets in. Along with this, we see symptoms like fatigue and loss of energy, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath and headache, difficulty to concentrate or loss of alertness, dizziness, leg cramps and insomnia, tinnitus, low digestive power, repugnance against food, body pains, fever, dyspnoea, heaviness, Swelling of the eyelids, weak hair follicles, irritable, drowsy, avoids speaking, sensitive to loud sounds and pain and weakness in the lumber region, thighs and feet. Most of these symptoms are seen in anaemic conditions.

Importance of Rakta (blood tissue):

Ayurveda explains seven dhatus (tissues) which are the main supporting pillars for a healthy body. They are nourished by the food consumed and nourishes the dhatu (tissue) accordingly. The rasa (broadly the lymph) and the rakta dhatu (broadly the blood tissue) are the first two tissues in the nourishing order after the consumption of food. Rakta is considered as the important factor for jeevana (Life sustaining), preenana (motivating/channelizing), dharana (stability) and poshana (nourishing) actions of body. Rakta gets vitiated by doshas, mainly by pitta dosha. In Ayurveda, Pandu is considered as a specific disease with its own pathogenesis and its treatment. Here, just not the Rakta dhatu but also the Rasa dhatu is at fault and the treatment includes strengthening and therefore channelizing the action of both. There are incidences in both the sexes but females and children are majorly affected.

10 Superfoods for increasing the blood health:

1. Raisins: A fistful raisins, especially in pregnancy is a magic for low hb as well as constipation. One-half cup of raisins contains 1.3 milligrams of iron.

2. Dates: Eat 2 dates a day to keep anaemia at bay, as it is loaded with nutrition and sweet by taste.

3. Pomegranate: They are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals so it helps to reduce blood pressure.

4. Palak/Spinach: Regular consumption of spinach can prevent anaemia as it is an excellent source of iron. This mineral is particularly important for menstruating women and growing children and adolescents. It is also beneficial in lowering hypertension as some of its constituents help to reduce stress and anxiety.

5. Beetroot: It increases iron content and also the oxygen requirement. Beetroot helps in repairing and reactivating the red blood cells in the body, which further increases the supply of oxygen to all parts of the body.

6. Ragi: The staple food of South India and great for the bones, for maintaining sugar levels and keeping one pink with health. Ragi is an excellent source of natural iron and the sprouted ones are high in Vitamin C making absorption of iron easy in the body.

7. Citrus fruits: Which is very much required for absorption of iron. This enhances the metabolism, reducing the other symptoms of anaemia.

8. Amaranth: drinking its juice during the entire period of pregnancy helps the normal growth of the baby and prevents the extra use of calcium and iron from the body reserves. It relaxes the uterine ligaments, and eases child birth.

9. Amla: Gooseberries are loaded with nutrition and are used with iron preparations in Ayurvedic medicines. It is to be remembered that gooseberries are excellent rasayanas (rejuvenators)

10. Aloe Vera: An excellent liver cleanser and a detoxifier. But use under the prescription of a vaidya.

What’s not wholesome for anaemic individuals?

Foods which are heavy for digestion and which easily deplete the body’s energy levels are not wholesome. Excessive intake of sour tasting substances, salty pungent, astringent diet, foods that are hot and sharp in nature, foods that dry up the body tissues, foods that are not of compatible nature – either unwholesome or toxic after digestion. For example: urad dal, mustard, pastries, alcohol consumption, day sleep, eating spicy sharp tangy foods, consuming too much of water, heavy tissue depleting foods, smoking, sexual indulgence, anxiety, depression or excessive mood upsets, irritability, controlling natural urges, and heavy exercises.

What is wholesome?

Old rice, wheat, barley, jowar, green gram, bottle gourd, chow chow, spinach, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, palak, shepu, turmeric, amla, grapes, anjeer, chikoo, banana, mango, dates, pomegranate, papaya, garlic, ginger, Cow milk, ghee, butter, buttermilk, Cow’s urine, parched rice gruel, decoctions of vata pacifying herbs and light exercise is wholesome.

Anemic conditions can be as a result of different pathologies. Recognizing accordingly and administering the right combination of iron preparations serves the health requirements. Iron preparations strengthen the blood tissue. The muscle tissues, the wind bioenergy, ligaments, tendons, brain and other organs don’t function properly in anemic conditions and hence aphrodisiacs and rejuvenators called as Rasayanas are administered with iron preparations.

Dr. Sanmathi P Rao
Sriranga Ayurveda
10/2, Bugle rock road, Basavanagudi
Bangalore-560004
Ph.: 080-26627717 

Mob: 7829488352

http://www.srirangaayurveda.com/

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