A study by scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) has demonstrated that early screening and timely iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation can reduce childhood anaemia by nearly 80%. The findings, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, strongly support India's Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) programme.
Study Design and Participants
The research was conducted among children living in urban slums of Hyderabad. Out of 825 children under five years screened, 248 children aged 13–57 months with mild to moderate anaemia were enrolled in a 90-day randomized controlled trial. The intervention compared standard IFA supplementation alone with IFA combined with the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum.
Researchers ensured high compliance of over 80% through directly supervised supplementation. Results showed a significant rise in haemoglobin levels, with an average increase of about 2 grams per decilitre after treatment. Overall, anaemia prevalence declined by nearly 77%, iron deficiency dropped by 98%, and iron deficiency anaemia was completely eliminated among children who completed the intervention.
Probiotics Show No Added Benefit
The study also investigated whether adding probiotic supplementation to iron therapy could enhance iron absorption or improve gut health. However, children receiving probiotics showed no additional improvement in haemoglobin levels, iron status, gut health markers, or rates of common childhood illnesses compared with those receiving IFA alone.
Dr Teena Dasi and Dr Ravindranadh Palika, scientists and lead investigators, stated: “Our findings demonstrate that screening children for anaemia and providing timely iron-folic acid treatment according to the Anaemia Mukt Bharat guidelines can substantially reduce the burden of anaemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anaemia in young children when compliance to the intervention is high. Although probiotics were found to be safe, they did not provide additional benefits over standard iron-folic acid therapy in this community setting.”
Implications for Public Health Policy
Dr Bharati Kulkarni, Director of ICMR-NIN, said: “This study provides strong scientific evidence supporting India’s ‘Screen and Treat’ approach for childhood anaemia under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat programme. The findings reaffirm that early screening and timely iron-folic acid treatment, implemented according to national guidelines, can substantially reduce the burden of childhood anaemia when high compliance can be achieved. Importantly, the study also shows that routine co-supplementation with probiotics alongside iron-folic acid may not be necessary in similar community settings, thereby avoiding additional programme costs without compromising treatment effectiveness.”
Anaemia remains a major public health concern in India, particularly among young children, where iron deficiency can adversely affect physical growth, cognitive development, and immunity. The study concludes that early detection and prompt treatment in line with national guidelines remain highly effective in combating childhood anaemia.
