Effect of Drumstick leaves on prevention of anemia among adolescent girls in low and middle income countries

Iron deficiency Anemia (IDA) is one of the serious health problems prevailing across the globe. It is estimated that about 1.62 billion population are affected all over the world. The prevalence of anemia is seen more among adolescent girls and pregnant women. Some of the important causes of anemia are low dietary intake, iron losses due to menstrual period and several other factors with many serious consequences. One of the major consequences of IDA is the reduction in hemoglobin level in the body and other medical complications associated with it. Therefore, management of anemia is of a major concern and can be done through consumption of locally available, low cost and underutilized fruits and vegetables rich in iron, vitamin A and vitamin C etc. For e.g. drumsticks leaves are rich source of iron found locally and effective in combating anemia yet still underutilized.