Question

Under the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation scheme, what is the composition of IFA tablets given to children aged 10--19 years old?

• A. 60 mg elemental iron + 100 \(\mu g\) folic acid
• B. 100 mg elemental iron + 500 \(\mu g\) folic acid
• C. 100 mg elemental iron + 100 \(\mu g\) folic acid
• D. 60 mg elemental iron + 500 \(\mu g\) folic acid

Hint:

For program-based questions, remember the exact age group and dose mentioned in the scheme or answer key.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question asks for the specific dose used in the National WIFS (Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation) program for the adolescent age group in India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Target Population: Adolescent boys and girls aged 10–19 years (covering both in-school and out-of-school populations).

The Tablet (Blue Tablet): The WIFS program for this group uses a blue-colored enteric-coated tablet.

Composition:

Elemental Iron: 60 mg (usually as Ferrous sulfate).

Folic Acid: 500 $\mu$g (0.5 mg).


Frequency: One tablet Weekly throughout the year (52 weeks).

Comparison within the Iron Plus Initiative:

6-59 months: 20 mg Iron + 100 $\mu$g FA (bi-weekly).

5-9 years: 45 mg Iron + 400 $\mu$g FA (weekly pink tablet).

Adults/Pregnant Women: 100 mg Iron + 500 $\mu$g FA (daily red tablet).


Step 3: Final Answer:
The adolescent WIFS dose is 60 mg elemental iron and 500 $\mu$g folic acid.