Iron Supplementation and Anemia Prevention Among Adolescent Girls: A Narrative Review of School Based
Keywords:
iron supplementation, adolescent girls, anemia prevention, school based health programs, educational outcomes, public health interventionAbstract
Iron deficiency anemia remains a pervasive public health issue, particularly affecting adolescent girls in low and middle income countries. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, challenges, and implementation strategies of school based iron supplementation programs targeting this population. A narrative review methodology was employed, involving comprehensive searches of academic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for peer reviewed studies from the past five years. Keywords such as "iron supplementation," "adolescent girls," and "school based programs" guided the selection process.
Findings indicate that both daily and weekly iron supplementation improve hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels, with daily regimens often producing superior outcomes. Regional variations in nutritional status, health infrastructure, and sociocultural factors significantly affect program effectiveness. Adherence is influenced by maternal education, peer and teacher support, and the presence of side effects. Peer support networks and school based supervision are effective in increasing adherence. Cognitive benefits, including enhanced memory, attention, and academic performance, were consistently linked to improved iron status. Despite these benefits, barriers such as inconsistent supply chains, social stigma, and inadequate stakeholder engagement persist. Addressing these requires multi sectoral collaboration, tailored educational interventions, and sustained policy commitment. This review supports the integration of iron supplementation within school health programs as a key strategy to improve adolescent health and educational outcomes globally.
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