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Sugarcane Molasses - A Potential Dietary Supplement in the Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Journal of dietary supplements
January 1, 1970
Rahi Jain et al. (2 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to review molasses as a potential nutraceutical for iron deficiency anemia (IDA), noting its content of iron and absorption enhancers like copper.

Results Summary

The abstract suggests that molasses, containing copper among other components, may enhance iron absorption, making it a potential dietary supplement for IDA, but more research is needed to confirm safety and efficacy.

Population

Primarily focuses on populations affected by IDA, particularly pregnant women and children in developing countries like India.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
iron-folic acid
no change
iron deficiency anemia (IDA)
India
-
is still prevalent
#1
herbal formulations containing sugarcane derivatives
neutral
pandu, a condition similar to IDA
-
-
prescribe for the management of
#2
molasses
neutral
iron
-
-
contains
#3
molasses
neutral
absorption enhancers, such as sulfur, fructose, and copper
-
-
contains
#4
molasses
neutral
IDA
-
-
make it a potential dietary supplement for
#5
Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a serious public health problem that debilitates ∼1.6 billion people globally every year, the majority being pregnant women and children from developing countries. In India, for example, in spite of several operational programs at the national level using iron-folic acid and other allopathic interventions, IDA is still prevalent. Traditional medicines, such as Ayurveda, prescribe herbal formulations containing sugarcane derivatives for the management of pandu, a condition similar to IDA. This article reviews molasses, a sugar industry by-product, as a potential raw material to develop nutraceutical products for IDA. Molasses contains iron and its absorption enhancers, such as sulfur, fructose, and copper, which make it a potential dietary supplement for IDA. More research, product development, and evidence of safety and efficacy of molasses in IDA management can provide a tasty and cost-effective dietary supplement, particularly for children. However, there are challenges, such as competition for raw material from refined sugar manufacturers, quality control, etc., that need to be overcome.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultAnemia, Iron-DeficiencyChildDietary SupplementsHumansMolassesSaccharumSweetening Agents
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy65/10
Quality50/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations12
Citations/Year1.5
Relative Citation Ratio0.64
NIH Percentile34.6%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score0.65
Normalized Score0.56
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