Author(s): Dr. Neeta Varshney

Abstract:
Adolescent is one of the most challenging periods in human development. The relatively uniform growth of childhood is suddenly altered by a rapid increase in the growth rate. The sudden changes create nutritional needs. Adolescent is considered as especially nutritionally vulnerable period for several reasons. First, they have an increased demand for nutrients because of the dramatic increase in physical growth and development. Second the change in the life style and food habits of adolescent effect nutrients intake and needs. Third adolescence nutrient needs are affected by participation in sports, pregnancy and development of an eating disorder, excess diet, use of alcohol and drugs or some other situations. WHO states that the “world-wide mortality rate of iron deficiency anaemia is 60,404,000 in 2005”. High prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia reflects their poor status of nutrition because of their rapid growth combined with poor eating habits and menstruation (Wongs, 2009). Estimates suggest that over one third of the world's population suffers from anaemia, mostly iron deficiency anaemia. India. Prevalence of anaemia in India is high because of low dietary intake, poor availability of iron and chronic blood loss due to hook worm infestation and malaria.

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