According to a survey carried out in 2006 by National Family Healthy Survey (NFHS), Government of India, one out of two women is anaemic, with almost 39 per cent of Indian women in the age group of 15-49 years suffering from mild anaemia. This literally means that almost 115 million Indian women of the reproductive age are anaemic.

"Besides consuming appropriate diet, it is also important to take it in an appropriate fashion. Most Indian women do not know the fact that having tea, coffee or colas with the meals inhibits the iron absorption leading to iron deficiency. The Indian staple diet is predominantly cereal / pulse based and contains substances called phytates and tannins, which inhibit the iron absorption.

On the other hand, having fresh vitamin C rich fruits and salads with the meals is beneficial since these enhance iron absorption." informs Dr Suneeta Mittal, Head, Deptt of Obstretacian and Gynaecology, AIIMS. Quite often the vigorous cooking conditions employed in preparing the food as in Indian culinary practice, could destroy the vitamin C and folic acid that are required in iron absorption and utilization. In addition, unhealthy environment and bad hygienic practices compound the problem of anaemia. Intestinal infestation with worms and bacteria could deprive the hosts even the modest amounts of iron absorbed and contributes to significant prevalence of anaemia.