Fact Check: Can drinking milk with jaggery before bed cure anemia?

A recent Instagram post claiming that drinking milk with jaggery before bed cures anemia is FALSE.

Claim

 A recent Instagram post claims that drinking milk and jaggery before bed cures anemia. The post by user Knowledges4you states that Milk and jaggery before bed is an Ayurvedic combo which is a natural powerhouse for digestive health. Amougst other claims, the post states Drinking this delicious nightcap cures anemia and relieve gastric problems. The post has more than 96,000+ likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check:

This claim is FALSE. Jaggery can aid in improving Hemoglobin levels but to portray it along with milk as a cure for anaemia is FALSE.

What is Anemia?

As per WHO, “Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the hemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal.”

Anemia may be caused due to several factors nutrient deficiencies through inadequate diets or inadequate absorption of nutrients, infections (e.g. malaria, parasitic infections, tuberculosis, HIV), inflammation, chronic diseases, gynecological and obstetric conditions, and inherited red blood cell disorders. The most common nutritional cause of anemia is iron deficiency, although deficiencies in folate, vitamins B12 and A are also important causes. (1)

The most common types of anemia include Iron deficiency anemia, which is the most prevalent form of anemia, resulting from insufficient iron levels in the blood. Another form includes Vitamin B12–deficiency anemia, or cobalamin deficiency, which arises when the body lacks enough vitamin B12 to produce healthy red blood cells. There is also Hemolytic anemia is characterized by the rapid destruction of red blood cells, outpacing their replacement. (2) There are several uncommon types of anemia which include Aplastic anemia, Hemolytic anemia, Sickle cell anemia and Anemia caused by other diseases. 

Milk and its Nutritional Properties

Milk is a nutrient-dense food, supplying energy and high-quality protein with a range of essential micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus in an easily absorbed form. Milk minerals are crucial for human health and development. They play a key role in healthy human nutrition and development throughout life. Milk is rich in nutrients that are essential for good bone health, including calcium, protein, vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorus. (3)

Benefits of Jaggery

Jaggery is a natural sweetener that concentrates the juices obtained from sugarcane or palm trees. It is rich in essential minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus Due to its flavor and aroma, jaggery is used as a foundation for many sweet foods across the globe. Jaggery can help to prevent constipation and improve bowel movements due to its high fiber content. It may act as a natural detoxifier, especially effective in cleansing the liver by flushing out harmful toxins. (4)

Can drinking milk with jaggery cure anemia?

Jaggery is a source of Iron which is an essential component in the production of hemoglobin. Consuming jaggery regularly can aid in boosting iron levels in the body.(5)

In an article by Sakthibalan M. et al. published in the National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy, and Pharmacology, it was noted that the combination of jaggery and raisins was effective as a nutritional supplement for enhancing hemoglobin levels in individuals with iron deficiency anemia. It can also be used to prevent iron deficiency in vulnerable populations. (6)

Milk is abundant in calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus and is easily absorbed by the body, but it is not a significant source of iron. (3)

Jaggery can help increase iron levels in the body due to its iron content, aiding in the management of anemia. However, there is no evidence to suggest that milk is rich in iron or cures anemia. Further, there is no scientific evidence found to support the claim that drinking milk with jaggery before bed cures anemia.

Further Some forms of anemia, particularly those with a genetic basis, such as Fanconi anemia, Diamond-Blackfan anemia, and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria are currently considered incurable. These conditions often require lifelong management, including supportive treatments like blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, or bone marrow transplantation to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications, rather than offering a definitive cure. (7) (8) (9)

What do experts say?

Responding to the claim Dr Pallavi Gupta, Senior Resident, Department of Pediatrics, ESIC Hospital said "Milk and jaggery can be part of a healthy diet, as milk provides calcium and other nutrients, while jaggery is a good source of iron. However, anemia is a complex condition that typically requires more than dietary changes. While incorporating iron-rich foods like jaggery into your diet can help, it is unlikely to be sufficient on its own. Treatment for anemia often involves taking iron supplements and sometimes medications, depending on the underlying cause. Individuals with anemia must consult a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. Furthermore, it is important to note that jaggery is a form of sugar, which can pose risks for individuals with diabetes. Consuming jaggery can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which can be harmful for diabetic patients. In conclusion, while milk with jaggery might be a healthy addition to some diets, it should not be relied upon as a cure for anemia. Additionally, those with diabetes should be cautious with jaggery consumption. Proper medical treatment and guidance from a healthcare professional are essential for effectively managing and curing anemia."

Dr. Divya Tripathi, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Manav Rachna International Institute Of Research and Studies added "Anemia is typically treated with iron supplements and dietary changes under medical supervision. Jaggery, a traditional form of unrefined sugar, is packed with several nutrients, including small amounts of iron, which can help prevent iron deficiency anemia when included in a balanced diet. It also aids digestion, detoxifies the liver, boosts immunity, and provides a steady source of energy due to its complex carbohydrate content. However, it's important to note that jaggery is still a form of sugar, and excessive consumption can lead to harmful effects such as weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and dental problems. For those with anemia, it's crucial to incorporate a variety of iron-rich foods such as leafy greens, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals, alongside medical treatment. While adding jaggery to your diet can be beneficial, it should not replace other essential treatments and dietary sources of iron. Effective anemia management requires a comprehensive diet and medical care under doctors and experts guidance"

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Anemia can be due to several causes some of which are incurable. Even in the case of iron-deficiency anemia, While jaggery contains iron, essential for hemoglobin production and can help increase iron intake, the iron content in jaggery alone cannot cure anemia. Conversely, milk offers essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins, but it has very little iron and does not significantly boost iron levels or enhance iron absorption from jaggery. However, no scientific evidence or medical consensus was found to support the claim that drinking milk with jaggery before bed cures anemia.

Therefore, the claim that drinking milk with jaggery before bed cures anemia is FALSE.

References

1. https://www.who.int/health-topics/anaemia#tab=tab_1
2. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723869/
4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344921769_Jaggery_A_natural_sweetener
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/jaggery
6. https://www.njppp.com/fulltext/28-1531885299.pdf
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559133/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545302/#:~:text=with%20genetic%20etiology.-,Diamond%20Blackfan%20anemia%20(DBA)%20is%20a%20congenital%20type%20of%20anemia,40%20to%2045%25%20of%20cases.
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562292/