Effect of drumstick leaves supplementation for treating iron deficiency anemia in adolescence girls

The present study was carried out on iron deficiency anemia in adolescence girls through supplementation of drumstick leaves powder. Anemia is one of the most common causes of malnutrition and it has a great public health significance affecting children, adolescents and women of reproductive age worldwide. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is highly prevalent among the adolescence girls and women mainly from lower socio economic status. Nearly 80% of the women with anemia suffer from Iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This study was done with the intention of finding an efficient substitute in the form of non heam iron of vegetable origin, dry drumstick leaves powder by administering as supplementation to treat anemia. At present it is being 20 anemic adolescence girls was selected belonging to lower socio-economic status, aged between 13-15 years were target population. Using convenient sampling technique of 20 girls suffering from Iron deficiency anemia was selected. Based on the signs and symptoms, anemia was diagnosed using cyanmethemoglobin method. As intervention 25gm of dry drumstick leaves powder was given every day for three months. After three months the hematological levels were analyzed and recorded. The result revealed that significant improvement in average Hb level from 9.6.mg/ dl before intervention to 11.mg/dl after intervention. This simple and low cost technology can be promoted in the community to prevent the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia.