50% of Indonesians anemic: Study

Sari P. Setiogi, Jakarta

Approximately 50 percent of the population of Indonesia suffers from anemia, which translates into a 20 percent drop in worker productivity, research data from the Ministry of Health's directorate of nutrition revealed.

"Half of all Indonesians have anemia," said hematologist Syafrizal Syafei from Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital (RSCM) on Wednesday.

Anemia is a condition caused by an abnormal reduction in the number of red blood cells, or haemoglobin (Hb).

The red blood cells carry oxygen to the muscles and the brain so they function properly, but an anemic person simply does not have enough of them, so his or her brain and muscles do not get the necessary oxygen, resulting in an general sluggishness and drowsiness. Other symptoms can be nausea, dizziness and a poor appetite.

The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency, caused by an poor nutrition/diet, menstrual bleeding and a lack of rest.

Syafrizal warned that most people might not even realize that they had anemia as the symptoms could easily be mistaken for other ailments, such as the common cold.

Separately, medical expert Risa Anwar said an adult with anemia would have difficulties concentrating, and therefore would have lower work productivity.

"While anemia in children could cause more serious disorders like retarded motor skill development and an inability to learn," said Risa, who also heads the medical department at PT Merck Tbk., a manufacturer of food supplements for anemic patients.

Adi Sasongko from the Kusuma Bangsa Association said around 70 percent of elementary school students in East Jakarta were anemic.

Risa also highlighted iron deficiencies during pregnancy could lead to premature delivery, a miscarriage, excessive blood loss during delivery and/or a congenital defect in the baby.

"If it reaches a critical stage, food supplements might be necessary, but actually anemia can be prevented by a balanced diet," said Risa.

She said Indonesians' awareness about having optimum iron levels was still relatively low. "However, iron deficiency is the world's greatest nutritional problem."

Increasing dietary iron, in foods such as red meat, green, leafy vegetables, beans and eggs, could help prevent anemia. "Other than that, regular exercise and plenty of rest will help as well," said Syafrizal.

"However, it should be noted that milk, antacids, coffee and tea decrease the ability for one's body to absorb iron," he said.

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Hb Concentration Daily minimum

in blood (anemic) intake of iron ------------------------------------------------------------------ Infants <11gr% 1.5 mg/kg/day (6 months-5 years)

Children (6 years-14 years) <12gr% 1.5 mg/kg/day

Teenagers <12gr% 10-20 mg/day

Women <12gr% 10-20 mg/day

Pregnant women <11gr% 20-40 mg/day

Menopause women <12gr% 5 mg/day

Men <13gr% 5-10 mg/day ----------------------------------------------------------------- source: PT Merck Tbk.