Iron and folic acid tablet supplied by Government of India contains?

SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2016

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

The Government of India's National Nutritional Anaemia Prophylaxis Programme provides a standard IFA tablet for pregnant women.
This tablet contains 100 mg of elemental iron and 500 mcg (0.5 mg) of folic acid.
This dosage is designed for daily prophylactic use during pregnancy and lactation to meet the increased nutritional demands and prevent anemia.
The higher dose of iron (100 mg) is specifically chosen to address the high prevalence of anemia in India.

Option A: This dosage (60 mg iron + 500 mcg folic acid) is designated for adolescents (10-19 years) and non-pregnant women of reproductive age under the Anemia Mukt Bharat program, not for pregnant women who require a higher iron dose.
Option C: This dosage (200 mg iron + 1 mg folic acid) represents a therapeutic dose (equivalent to two standard prophylactic tablets), not the standard single tablet for prevention.
Option D: While the iron dose is correct, the 5 mg (5000 mcg) dose of folic acid is a high, therapeutic dose, not a prophylactic one.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Dosage of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation under India's national health programs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Patient counseling is a key nursing role. Nurses must educate pregnant women on the importance of adherence to IFA supplementation, how to manage common side effects (nausea, constipation, black stools), and dietary advice (take with Vitamin C-rich foods, avoid with tea/coffee).
The Anemia Mukt Bharat program is a critical public health intervention to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, as well as improve birth outcomes like low birth weight.
What if? If a pregnant woman reports a history of a previous child with spina bifida (a neural tube defect), the standard 500 mcg folic acid is insufficient. The nurse must ensure she is referred for a prescription of 5 mg of folic acid daily, ideally starting before conception and continuing through the first trimester.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Iron and folic acid tablet' and 'Government of India'. This points to a question about national health program guidelines.
Second, recognize that the GoI has different IFA formulations for different population groups (children, adolescents, pregnant women). The question is general but the options relate to the most common prophylactic doses.
Third, recall or deduce the standard prophylactic dose for the most critical group, which is pregnant women, due to the high risk and consequences of anemia.
Finally, compare the standard dose (100 mg iron + 500 mcg folic acid) with the given options to find the correct match. Evaluate the other options as potential therapeutic doses or doses for other population groups.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Dosage of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation under India's national health programs.
Stem keywords: Iron and folic acid tablet, Government of India, contains
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE

Qmyy5RLz3dA0pT3C_78nKQ

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 202-204

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 180-182