World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF MILLETS IN IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA IN CHILDREN: A REVIEW

Dr. Sayali R. Khandelwal*, Dr. Devyani Thokal and Dr. Rachana Ramteke

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is currently the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world. According to WHO global data, IDA affects approximately 37% of school children. Defective absorption of iron and inappropriate and deficient dietary intake are the causes of IDA. IDA adversely affects the growth and cognitive development in children. Methodology: Materials related to IDA, Millets and other relevant topics have been collected. We have also referred to the various websites and scientific journals to collect information regarding current researches on the relevant topics. Result: Three major approaches are followed to control IDA globally - supplementation with iron and folic acid tablets, fortification and natural food-based approaches. Despite the wide implementation of the first two approaches, IDA remains a serious malnutrition problem. The third approach mainly focuses on enrichment of diets with naturally iron-rich foods without the potential side effects of artificial additives. Millets are an excellent source of natural energy. Millets have been used as food as well as therapeutic diet in Ayurveda. Millet grains such as Sorghum (jowar), Pearl millet (bajra) have substantially higher amount of minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, B- complex vitamins making them preferable choice over the cereal grains. Conclusion: This review focused on to evaluate the nutritional benefits of millets in Iron Deficiency Anaemia. More attention and consideration should be shown on millets-based offering and their nutritive value for children to avoid health issues related to nutritional deficiency for developing healthy society.

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