. Discuss causes and symptoms of any two common nutritional deficiencies in India (PEM, Vitamin A deficiency, Anaemia, IDD)

In India, two common nutritional deficiencies are iron-deficiency anaemia and vitamin A deficiency, each with distinct causes and symptoms:

1. Iron-Deficiency Anaemia:

   • Causes: Iron-deficiency anaemia is prevalent in India due to inadequate dietary intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, and legumes. Poor absorption of iron from plant-based sources, frequent infections, and high prevalence of parasitic infections like hookworm also contribute.
   • Symptoms: Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and decreased exercise tolerance. In children, iron deficiency can impair cognitive development and growth.

2. Vitamin A Deficiency:

   • Causes: Vitamin A deficiency is often linked to insufficient consumption of foods rich in vitamin A, such as green leafy vegetables, orange and yellow fruits, eggs, and liver. Poor dietary diversity and limited access to these foods contribute to the deficiency.
   • Symptoms: Symptoms include night blindness, increased susceptibility to infections (especially respiratory infections and diarrhoea), dryness and damage to the eyes (xerophthalmia), and impaired growth and development in children.

Addressing these nutritional deficiencies requires a multi-faceted approach including dietary diversification, food fortification, supplementation programs, public health education, and improvements in overall food security and access to nutritious foods. Government-led interventions such as National Iron Plus Initiative and Vitamin A supplementation programs have been implemented in India to combat these deficiencies and improve the overall nutritional status of vulnerable populations.