Impact of the cooked millet intervention on hemoglobin and other micronutrient deficiencies among anemic women of reproductive age

BackgroundIron deficiency Anemia and other micronutrient deficiencies among women of reproductive age is a significant public health concern in India with the prevalence exceeding 50%. The inclusion of micronutrient-rich millets in their habitual diet presents a sustainable strategy to improve micronutrient intake. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of millet-based recipes on hemoglobin levels and the overall micronutrient status of anemic women of reproductive age residing in Hyderabad, India. MethodsA cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted on 822 women aged 17 to 22 years (diagnosed with mild to moderate anemia), enrolled in Government 6 welfare residential degree colleges. Randomisation was done at hostel level and not at participants level to limit complications. The intervention group(3 hostels) consumed millet-based meals incorporating pearl millet, finger millet, and foxtail millet for 4-5 months, while the control group (3 hostels) continued their regular rice and wheat based. Venous blood samples were collected and Hemoglobin levels were assessed at three time points using a hematology autoanalyzer. Ferritin, Folate, Vit B-12,STFR, and Hs-CRP, levels were analyzed at both baseline and endpoint using the Abbott i-STAT 1000 autoanalyzer, Micronutrients (serum calcium and zinc) were analysed using AAS. ResultsThe baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The mean duration of intervention was 128 {+/-} 11 days and the average millet intake was 50 g/day. Mean hemoglobin levels showed a significant improvement in the intervention group (10.40 {+/-} 1.1 to 10.50 {+/-} 1.46 g/dL), whereas a decline was observed in the control group (10.50 {+/-} 1.06 to 10.30 {+/-} 1.35), resulting in a statistically significant difference between the groups. The trajectory of mean hemoglobin levels over time demonstrated a significantly favorable trend in the intervention group compared to the control group (p <0.044). Moreover, the mean changes in folate and vitamin B12 levels from baseline to endpoint were more pronounced in the intervention group compared to the control group. Furthermore, there was a significant mean change observed across both groups. However, changes in other micronutrients such as ferritin, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, were comparable between the two groups from baseline to endline. ConclusionsThe Millet-based dietary intervention significantly improved hemoglobin, folate, and vitamin B12 levels among anemic women of reproductive age. However, no substantial changes were observed in other micronutrients. These findings highlight the potential of millets as a sustainable dietary strategy for anemia management. Further research is needed to explore long-term benefits and integration into public health programs.