Abstract
ABSTRACT The highest prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is among a population that have inadequate access to iron enriched foods during stages of high iron demand. In particular women of reproductive age as a result of pregnancy or due to iron lost in menstrual blood. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) has been used traditionally in Libya for treatment of anemia since long time. A dietary intake of iron is needed to replace the basal iron losses from the body daily. We examined the effects of beetroot juice consumption on Hemoglobin and Ferritin in 12 healthy female subjects, mean age (31.8±6.6 years). Blood samples were obtained from the participants prior to (zero time) and on day 11 and on day 16 of daily consumption of 200 ml of beetroot juice. The blood samples of each participant were also analyzed for Complete Blood count and compared to the zero-time sample. We found that Hemoglobin and Ferritin levels are markedly increased. In addition, we noted some changes in RBC, WBC, and platelet count. The results showed significant (P< 0.05) with Ferritin and Hemoglobin.