The silent tragic reality of <i>Hidden Hunger,</i> anaemia, and neural-tube defects (NTDs) in India.
editorial · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 37383344.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.lansea.2022.100071 and PMC identifier 10305893.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC-ND.
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Abstract
<i>Hidden Hunger</i> arising from nutritional iron-, folate-, and vitamin-B<sub>12</sub>-deficiencies is exceedingly common in India and has profound negative impacts on anaemia, on pregnancy, and on embryonic-foetal neurodevelopment <i>in utero,</i> which predisposes to NTDs and psychological-psychiatric manifestations in childhood. Whereas younger-to-middle-aged Indians fail to perform at maximum potential, the elderly are at risk for calamitous neurologic events. However, these micronutrient-deficiencies are eminently correctable through food-fortification. Therefore, the Indian Government can no longer afford the luxury of inaction by either denying or downplaying the gravity of this problem. What is critically needed from India's leaders is an urgent, clear-eyed reappraisal and act of anagnorisis-(an often startling self-recognition and discovery of a profoundly serious error and tragic flaw)-in failing to confront this problem for decades. Only when closely followed by a metanoia-(a transformative change of heart that triggers remedial action)-can they help India avoid a catastrophic tryst with destiny.