New Delhi, Aug 11 (IANS): Over 40 percent of Indian men above the age of 45 and living in urban areas are at a higher risk of contracting anaemia, a study has revealed.

The study stated that due to several factors, including micronutrient deficiencies, systemic metal toxicities and intestinal disorders, men have started suffering from abnormal haemoglobin levels, which till now were mostly associated with women in general.

The survey was conducted by the leading diagnostic chain SRL Diagnostic after they screened 30 lakh males across the country from 2012-14. The results showed 43.5 percent of men were found to to be having low haemoglobin levels.

According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of anaemia in all groups in India is higher as compared to other developing countries.

The analysis showed that prevalence of this abnormality was highest among men in the east of the country with 52.4 percent while the north and west had 48.6 percent and 39.3 percent, respectively. South India showed the lowest percentage with 27 percent.

"There is a significant need for reaching out and making people aware of the causes, symptoms, treatment and importance of testing for anaemia," said Leena Chatterjee, director of Fortis SRL Labs and SRL Strategic Initiative.

"Most of the cases of anaemia are observed in infants and pregnant women. But SRL's analysis on men has shown that men are also almost equally prone to this condition."