Anemia in South East Asia
Dietary Practices:
The majority of the population here practices religions like Buddhism and Hinduism that often encourage vegetarianism or restrict the consumption of certain types of meat, traditionally rich sources of iron. This, coupled with a diet heavily reliant on rice and other low-iron foods, contributes significantly to widespread iron deficiency.
Socioeconomic Factors:
Poverty also plays a substantial role. With limited resources, many families lack access to varied and nutrient-rich food, further exacerbating the issue of iron deficiency.