50% of Indonesians anemic: Study

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
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Infants