Anemia public health problem

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS. A deficiency of iron may cause iron-deficiency (nutritional) anemia, clinically characterized by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin and by small, pale-red blood cells, depleted iron stores, and a plasma iron content of less than 40 mg per 100 ml. The number of red blood cells may also be reduced, but not as markedly as the hemoglobin content. Iron- deficiency anemia is a medical and public health problem of primary importance, causing few deaths but contributing seriously to the weakness, ill health, and substandard performance of millions of people. 

Anonymous (2001) Supplement II Iron deficiency anemia Reexamining the nature and magnitude of the public health problem./omjtm/ of Nutrition 131 563S-703S. 

Reduced forms of folic acid are required for essential biochemical reactions that provide precursors for the synthesis of amino acids, purines, and DNA. Folate deficiency is not uncommon, even though the deficiency is easily corrected by administration of folic acid. The consequences of folate deficiency go beyond the problem of anemia because folate deficiency is implicated as a cause of congenital malformations in newborns and may play a role in vascular disease (see Folic Acid Supplementation A Public Health Dilemma). 

In the most recent reauthorization of Public Law 94-142, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (idea), schools are mandated to provide children with chronic illness and other disabling conditions individualized educational and supportive services in the least restrictive educational setting. To qualify for special services under idea, a child must have a disability that is adversely affecting (his/her) educational performance. The disability category that usually applies to children with special health care needs is other health impaired. This classification is defined as having limited strength, vitality or alertness, due to chronic or acute health problems such as a heart condition, tuberculosis, rheumatic fever, nephritis, asthma, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, epilepsy, lead poisoning, leukemia, or diabetes, which adversely affects a child s educational performance. ... 

---