Guava Juice May Improve Hemoglobin Levels in Women With Anemia, Study Finds

A glass of guava juice may do more than refresh you - it could help fight one of the world's most common nutritional disorders. A new meta-analysis from Indonesia suggests that guava juice can significantly improve haemoglobin levels in women and girls with iron deficiency anaemia, especially when combined with iron supplements.

Published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, the study reviewed 17 clinical and quasi-experimental studies involving adolescent girls and pregnant women, two groups especially vulnerable to anaemia due to menstruation, rapid growth, and increased iron demands during pregnancy.

Researchers found that drinking guava juice led to an average haemoglobin increase of 1.71 g/dL overall. Pregnant women saw an average rise of 1.84 g/dL, while adolescent girls experienced an increase of 1.52 g/dL. Even more striking, participants who consumed guava juice alongside iron supplements showed haemoglobin levels that were 1.29 g/dL higher than those taking iron alone.

Scientists say the secret lies in guava’s exceptionally high vitamin C content — up to four times higher than oranges. Vitamin C helps the body absorb non-heme iron, the form commonly found in plant-based foods and supplements, by converting it into a form that is easier for the body to use.

Beyond vitamin C, guava also contains folate, vitamin A, fiber, and small amounts of iron, nutrients that support red blood cell production and overall health.

Iron deficiency anaemia remains a major public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries. It can cause fatigue, weakness, poor concentration, and in pregnant women, increase risks for both mother and baby. Researchers say even modest increases in haemoglobin can help move people out of mild or moderate anaemia categories, improving energy levels and daily functioning.

The findings also reinforce a growing understanding that combining nutrients strategically may help improve the body’s ability to absorb and use essential vitamins and minerals more effectively.

REFERENCE: Mansoor, J., et al. (2026) Effect of guava juice intake on haemoglobin levels in Indonesian females: a systematic review and meta analysis. BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health. DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2025-001466. https://nutrition.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/bmjnph-2025-001466