Vitamin C in guava juice helps the body absorb iron better
Drinking guava juice combined with iron supplement tablets can improve hemoglobin levels better.
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the common nutritional conditions in the world, affecting the health and quality of life of many people. Alongside taking prescribed iron tablets, scientists suggest that combining them with vitamin C-rich foods like guava juice can help the body absorb iron more effectively.
Guava juice helps increase iron absorption
Iron supplementation is a common method to increase iron and hemoglobin levels in the body, especially for those whose dietary intake is insufficient. However, the effectiveness of iron tablets depends on the body's absorption capacity and can vary from person to person.
Guava is a fruit rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that plays an important role in the intestinal absorption of iron. A new study shows that consuming guava juice along with iron supplement tablets helps improve hemoglobin levels better than using iron tablets alone.
To evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, researchers in Pakistan conducted a meta-analysis of studies on the impact of guava juice on hemoglobin levels in Indonesian women.
The results showed that the group consuming guava juice combined with iron tablets had a significantly higher increase in hemoglobin compared to the group supplementing with iron alone.
According to Dr. Javeria Mansoor, Chief Resident in Community Medicine at Aga Khan University (Pakistan), although iron tablets remain the standard treatment for iron deficiency anemia, many patients still do not achieve the desired hemoglobin levels despite regular medication use.
In addition to vitamin C, guava also contains many micronutrients and beneficial antioxidant compounds. Among them, folate is an essential nutrient for red blood cell production. The research team noted that the combination of vitamin C, folate, and other micronutrients in guava could create a synergistic effect, contributing to enhancing the effectiveness of iron supplementation.
Should guava juice be used to treat anemia?
The above meta-analysis shows positive results regarding the iron absorption support capability of guava juice. However, scientists believe that more studies across different population groups are still needed to provide sufficient scientific basis before incorporating guava juice into official recommendations for the treatment and prevention of anemia.
Experts also recommend that individuals undergoing anemia treatment with iron tablets should consult a doctor before combining them with guava juice. Professional consultation will help assess health status, current medications, and determine the most appropriate approach.
Guava is one of the fruits with a very high natural vitamin C content. Just one guava can provide approximately 72% of the body's daily vitamin C requirement. This is an essential nutrient that helps boost immunity, support iron absorption, and maintain many other physiological functions. Because vitamin C is not stored in the body, it needs to be supplemented regularly through the daily diet.