Comparative Study of Prevalence of Anaemia in Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian Women of Udaipur City, Rajasthan

Abstract

The study was undertaken in Udaipur city, Rajasthan to compare the severity and prevalence of anaemia between 30 vegetarian and 30 non vegetarian women aged 20-40 years. Anthropometric measurements, dietary survey and haemoglobin estimation was done by the standard techniques. Results show that there was a highly significant difference (p<0.01) in the BMI of vegetarian and non-vegetarian group. Mean haemoglobin level of non-vegetarian was higher (12.07 ± 1.08 g/dl) than the vegetarian group (10.09 ± 0.95 g/dl). Forty percent vegetarians were having moderate anaemia, 60 percent were mild anaemic whereas 46.66 percent non vegetarian respondents were in normal category. A significant difference (p<0.01) was found in intake of green leafy vegetable, fats and oil and sugar. No significance was noted in the intake of pulses, other vegetable and milk and milk products. Intake of energy, protein, fat and iron was higher in non-vegetarian group.