A student from a school run by Mumbai’s civic body died Friday, a day after she consumed iron and folic tablets as part of a health initiative. While the 12-year-old’s parents have alleged that she vomited blood after consuming the tablet, doctors in Mumbai have said that they are still investigating the cause of death and will be awaiting the post-mortem report.

But what are the iron and folic acid tablets that the children were given, why were they given and what are their side effects?

What is iron/ folic acid tablets

Both iron and folic acid tablets are prescribed to prevent iron deficiency and certain types of anaemia in the body. It helps improve the immunity of the body and faster recovery from illness. In India, an estimated 56 per cent girls and 30 per cent boys in the age group 10-19 years are anaemic, according to the third National Family Health Survey.

What are the side effects of iron/folic acid tablets?
The consumption of iron tablets may cause a few minor side-effects, say doctors. When it is taken for the first time the body may find it difficult to digest it and there may be symptoms like stomach ache and nausea. Hard stools are also common after consuming these tablets. However, the side-effects aren’t known to persist.