India's leading sports nutritionist Ryan Fernando, who worked with cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, describes anaemia as a major hurdle for female athletes. Surveys show 44% to 69% of adolescent girls in India are anaemic, often due to poor nutrition and cultural factors. He urges early interventions to boost health and performance.
Indian women cricketers continue to grapple with nutritional deficiencies, particularly anaemia, as highlighted by Ryan Fernando, founder of Qua Nutrition and a consultant for captain Harmanpreet Kaur and batter Smriti Mandhana.
Data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Nutrition indicates that 44% to 69% of adolescent girls in India suffer from anaemia, with rates over 70% in certain regions. These athletes also face shortages in key micronutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.
Girls typically get less food and poorer quality nutrition than boys, especially in proteins and calories, Fernando notes. Under-15 girls often lack routine blood tests for hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron-binding proteins, starting their sports careers at a disadvantage. Iron deficiency reduces oxygen transport, leading to fatigue, delayed recovery, and more illnesses. Cultural biases favoring fair skin limit sun exposure, hindering vitamin D production.
This affects performance severely: about 5% of adolescent girls are stunted, and over 50% have micronutrient gaps essential for bones, brain, and muscles. Consequences include delayed puberty, menstrual irregularities, and thyroid problems.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reports over 50% of Indian women and children are anaemic, nearing 70% for girls aged 12-14. Iron deficiency causes only one-third of cases; others stem from B12, folate, zinc shortages, and infections. Symptoms encompass fatigue, slow healing, infections, cognitive issues, and sleep problems.
Solutions involve food fortification and broad supplementation programs. Elite athletes now follow diets with lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, though just 20% of rural girls meet micronutrient standards.
Fernando advises young cricketers to adopt nutrient-rich diets early, get regular screenings, skip crash diets, and emphasize iron, calcium, protein, B12, and hydration. 'Science-driven nutrition is no longer a luxury in women’s cricket; it is the foundation of health and sporting achievement,' he states.
Targeted efforts have shown promise in elevating Indian women's cricket.
