Effect of Groundwater Iron and Other Micronutrients on Anaemia in Bangladesh: A Review

Anaemia is a predominant public health problem throughout the world and in Bangladesh; it has been a growing concern especially for the rural population during the last few decades. This review paper thoroughly explores the important findings from various studies carried out in Bangladesh focusing on the contribution of numerous micronutrients on the anaemia status. Iron deficiency is the potential contributor to anaemia, however, the correlation of other micronutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and folic acid with anaemia prevalence has also been documented in several studies. Serum ferritin level and iron store in the body was found in higher concentration in population belonging to areas, where groundwater is enriched with iron in highly bioavailable ferrous form compared to the low groundwater iron areas. Consumption of iron rich groundwater indicated significant iron overload risk. As a result, it has been suggested that prior to conducting any iron supplementation program for combating anaemia, serum ferritin concentration should be properly measured to avoid the risk of iron overload. It has also been confirmed from several reports that the status of iron in the body is better improved when accompanied by other micronutrients. Therefore, we come to conclude that multiple micronutrients together with iron would play potential role in improving the anaemia situation in Bangladesh.