Anemia is a global health concern characterized by lower than normal levels of hemoglobin, which affects approximately 30% of the world population. India contributes towards a large proportion of the total globally affected. Low dietary intake of iron is a primary cause for anemia prevalence in India. Despite nationwide efforts such as oral supplementation programs and fortification of food, the prevalence of anemia continues to rise, according to India’s 5th National Family Health Survey. This review focuses on highlighting the limitations of current intervention practices, while exploring alternative strategies that could be potentially adapted in conjunction with existing measures. It is crucial that drawbacks in existing monitoring and diagnostic practices towards examining population susceptibility and reporting accurate demographics of iron deficiency and anemia in India be assessed. Finally, this review also illustrates the efficacy of adaptable household measures in determining the nutritional status at both community and national levels.

Keywords:Iron Deficiency; Anemia; Iron Deficiency Anemia; IDA; India; Nutrition; Food Processing; Fortification; Intervention; Iron Status