Beneficial Effects of Dates (Phoenix Dactylifera) and Goat Milk in Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Introduction: Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a global health problem. It is common in poverty areas and indicates poor nutrition and health. According to Islamic beliefs, dates and goat milk are considered as superfood for preservation of health. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the beneficial effects of dates and goat milk on IDA. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 57 female adults with IDA. They were assigned to 5 groups with different feeding protocol (normal diet, dates, goat milk, both dates and goat milk and ferrous fumarate). Full blood count and iron profile were assessed at the beginning of the study and repeated at weeks 4, 8 and 12. Results: There was significant improvement in reticulocyte count and haemoglobin level in all three groups supplemented with dates and goat milk. The group supplemented with dates also showed increased in packed cell volume (p<0.005) while group supplemented with goat milk showed raised red cell count (p<0.005). The iron profile (ferritin and transferrin level) improved in all three groups supplemented with dates and goat milk (p<0.005). Discussion: Dates and goat milk improved the haematopoietic and iron profile in IDA subjects in accordance with previous reports on animal model. This may be contributed by the high iron content in dates and presence of biochemical components in dates and goat milk that enhanced iron bioavailability. Therefore, inclusion of dates and goat milk may be considered as a supplementary diet in IDA subjects.