Nutrition experts have debunked the popular myth that consuming a mixture of malt drink and tomato paste increases blood volume in the body, specifically for those suffering from anemia. They emphasized there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, calling the combination unhealthy and ineffective.
According to the World Health Organization, anemia is a condition marked by a lower than normal number of red blood cells or hemoglobin concentration, primarily affecting women and children. In sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, anemia is a major public health concern, often caused by iron deficiency or malnutrition.
A Professor of Public Health Nutrition at Obafemi Awolowo University, Beatrice Ogunba, stated, “Tomato paste contains beta-carotene and vitamins C and A, but no iron. There is no scientific evidence that it can boost blood volume when mixed with malt drink.” She advised individuals with anemia to seek medical attention and consume iron-rich foods like meat and fish.
Chief Dietitian at the Lagos State Health Service Commission, Olusola Malomo, also dismissed the myth, explaining, “The redness of tomato paste misleads people into thinking it contains iron. Combining it with malt drink does not boost blood volume. People with anemia should increase their intake of animal protein.”
Malomo further cautioned about the potential health risks of consuming raw tomato paste, emphasizing it should be cooked before consumption. He urged Nigerians to incorporate iron-rich foods into their diets for a sustainable approach to tackling anemia and to use supplements as prescribed by physicians if necessary.
