Anemia and Mumbai- Maximum City, Minimum Nutrition.

     Youngsters in the city are becoming increasingly prone to developing anemia, a deficiency of haemoglobin in the blood, as they get busier with college, tuitions and jobs. In their defence, they say they are way too pressed for time to pay attention to what’s on the platter. A cup of coffee in the morning, a burger for lunch and half a pizza for dinner seems just fine to these busy adolescents. This could have serious consequences, because although anemia has many causes, the leading cause in Mumbai, especially amongst those within the 16 to 30 age bracket, is an improper diet. Around 60-70 per cent are anemic owing to an improper diet, junk food consumption and badly-timed, low-nutrition meals. Youngsters are not healthy as far as haemoglobin is concerned and their hectic schedules come with a high price. Most of them skip meals, eat too much junk and don’t consume nutrients at all. A deficiency of Vitamin B-12 and iron is the leading cause for anemia in Mumbai. These shocking facts spell out the prevalence of anemia amongst city youth and to make things worse, there are a lot of myths associated with it. A common misconception about anemia is that it is genetic. The fact is, although there are types of anemia that can be genetically passed on, they are rare. Most of the young anemic patients develope this problem due to a dangerously low intake of essentials like iron and vitamins. Another section of society severely affected by Anemia are pregnant mothers. Anaemia is one of the main reasons for increasing maternal deaths in the city, according to findings of the newly constituted maternal death committee. The committee is investigating the causes of women dying during pregnancy and delivery, which most of the time goes unreported. It is rather appalling that such important sections of society, that hold the key to the future of India are left in dire states.

Anemia is a form of malnutrition in which is a decrease in number of red blood cells (RBCs) or less than the normal quantity of haemoglobin in the blood. The typical symptoms are feeling of weakness, or fatigue and poor concentration. They may also experience shortness of breath when tired. In very severe anemia, the body may compensate for the lack of oxygen-carrying capability of the blood by increasing cardiac activity leading to perspiration, involuntary muscle movements. 

There are however different types of Anemia:

Iron Deficiency and Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:

Our body needs iron to produce the hemoglobin, necessary for red blood cell production. In general, most people need just 1 milligram of iron daily. Menstruating women need double that dose. If you diet lacks necessary amount of iron, it would lead to Iron deficiency anemia.
Vitamin B-12 and Folic acid are also essential components in hemoglobin production. Normally, our body absorbs the vitamins, but if there’s any imbalance in the hormones, the vitamins might not get readily absorbed. The result is Vitamin deficiency anemia. Because the symptoms develop gradually this condition may not be immediately recognized. Those with thyroid disease or diabetes are at increased risk for this type of anemia. Folic acid deficiency is a particular problem for alcoholics.

Haemolytic Anemia:

Anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells is known as Haemolytic anemia. In this type of anemia, antibodies produced by the immune system, in the event of a virus attack, damage red blood cells. Toxic materials such as lead, copper, and benzene can also cause the destruction of red blood cells. Blood transfusions may be necessary for some people with this kind of anemia. Haemolytic anemia can be acquired or inherited. Sickle cell disease and Thalassemia are both inherited types of Haemolytic anemia.

Sickle Cell Anemia/Thalassemia:

Sickle cell anemia is also known as Haemoglobin S disease. This is a serious, life-threatening inherited form of anemia, where people with this disease have sickle-shaped red blood cells that are stiff and unable to squeeze through blood vessels. A patient with this disease often suffers from pain in the joints and bones. Infections and heart failure can also occur. Thalassemia is caused by defect in genes producing haemoglobin. It is most common in people of Mediterranean descent.

Aplastic Anemia:

This is one of the deadliest and most rare forms of anemia. Only 2-6 people per million have this type of anemia. The condition results from an unexplained failure of the bone marrow to produce all types of blood cells. Instead, fat cells replace bone marrow. Aplastic anemia is usually found in adolescents and young adults. Symptoms can include bleeding in the mucous membranes. Chemicals such as benzene and certain pesticides can also cause this type of anemia.

     It is amazing how Anemia affects us, without really making us aware of the illness. This is my personal account how Anemia was affecting me for almost year and how making little changes in my daily habits has helped me a lot!I am a student of Mass Media form Mumbai University. Our course work is extremely practical, the only time we study is the night before exams. The rest of the time is running around organising events, making movies, making photographs and of course eating, drinking and having fun.

    My day started at 7.30am going right up to 6pm, now you can't just go home so early without grabbing a bite with your team, a gastronomic pat on your back for the day's hard work. In all of this, we all would skip breakfast, have a shoddy lunch. This was my routine for almost a year. Then there was the Annual Blood Donation Drive in college, and as an enthusiastic blood donor I stepped up! Blood Pressure normal. The last check point, haemoglobin count! Surprise! I was below the 12 mg count. I couldn't donate blood. I was very disappointed. Sharing this with my family doctor, I was thankfully enlightened about my anemic state. Since that day made time for breakfast, lunch and an hour for exercise. There has been a significant improvement in my health. I do feel a lot fitter, fresher and can read for longer durations.

Many individuals like me are prone to Anemia. It is essential that people are made aware of this curable illness as it affects the performance greatly in various spheres of life. In a nation that aims to be a super power in the near future it is very important that it's mothers and children are healthy!