After diagnosis of disease in a person, the doctor advises the patient iron and folic acid tablets. The person is suffering from

The prescription of iron and folic acid tablets indicates that the patient is suffering from anaemia. Iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common form of the condition, occurring when the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin, which is essential for red blood cells to carry oxygen [1]. Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also critical for the production of red blood cells; a deficiency in folate leads to folate-deficiency anaemia. Adolescents and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to these deficiencies [4]. In contrast, goitre is caused by iodine deficiency [2], while osteoporosis is linked to calcium and vitamin D inadequacies [2]. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) involves macronutrient deficiencies like kwashiorkor or marasmus [2]. Therefore, combined iron and folic acid supplementation is the standard clinical response to treat or prevent nutritional anaemia.

Sources

1. [1] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change > Science and Society > p. 80
2. [4] https://www.fao.org/4/y2809e/y2809e00.pdf
3. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Control and Coordination > Do You Know? > p. 110