Raj. CHO - 2023: The weekly dose in the Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Scheme includes-

Raj. CHO - 2023

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: Raj. CHO - 2023

Explanation

The Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) programme is a national health initiative targeting adolescents aged 10–19 years.
The standard weekly prophylactic dose under this scheme is one tablet containing 100 mg of elemental iron and 500 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid.
This intervention aims to combat the high prevalence of anemia in this age group, which is often caused by rapid growth, poor dietary intake, and worm infestation.

Option A: A dose of 500 mg of elemental iron is excessively high for weekly prophylaxis and poses a risk of iron toxicity.
Option B: This dosage combination (250 mg Iron and 250 mcg Folic Acid) does not align with the scientifically determined requirements or the official guidelines of the Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy for any age group.
Option D: While the iron dose (500 mg) is incorrect and toxic for prophylaxis, the folic acid dose (100 mcg) is also insufficient for adolescents. A 100 mcg dose of folic acid is recommended for younger children (6-59 months).

Visual 1: Infographic: A chart showing the Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) guidelines with color-coded tablets and dosages for different age groups (6 months to pregnant women). This helps visualize the entire public health strategy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Dosage for Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) scheme helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
WIFS is a critical public health initiative in India to break the intergenerational cycle of anemia, improving health, cognitive development, and future productivity.
Nurses play a key role in implementing WIFS in schools and communities, ensuring compliance, providing health education on diet and side effects, and screening for severe anemia.
What if? If a 16-year-old girl is found to have severe anemia (e.g., Hemoglobin less than 7 g/dL) during screening, the standard weekly prophylactic dose is insufficient. She must be referred to a medical officer for investigation and initiation of therapeutic treatment, which may involve higher daily doses or parenteral iron.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on a national health program.
First, identify the key terms from the question: 'Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Scheme'.
Recall the target population for the weekly scheme, which is primarily adolescents (10-19 years).
Access your knowledge of the specific dosage for this group under the national guidelines (Anemia Mukt Bharat).
Compare the recalled dosage (100 mg Elemental Iron + 500 mcg Folic Acid) with the given options to find the correct match.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Dosage for Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) scheme.
Stem keywords: Weekly dose, Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Scheme
Lead-in keywords: includes
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & Dietetics 2nd Edition Harbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 26-479