Understanding the Determinants of Anemia amongst Indian Adolescents

Anemia is the most common nutritional disorder amongst Indian adolescents in India with 28% being afflicted. Despite the efforts, there has not been a significant reduction in the prevalence of anemia. The etiology of anemia is multifactorial and complex. Hence, there is a challenge to address the determinants of anemia in a population. In the present communication, the determinants of anemia such as nutritional factors, infectious diseases, genetic factors and other underlying factors has been reviewed. The pathophysiology, possible mechanisms and contribution of these factors in the etiology of anemia has been discussed. There is a need for analyzing the determinants of anemia amongst Indian adolescents for effective prevention and control of Anemia.