"Fortunate iron fish" - a method for combating anemia

Iron, being one of the most valuable micronutrients, plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of our body. It is responsible for the proper functioning of many tissues and organs, such as muscles, skin, hair, and nails. Unfortunately, our bodies are not able to produce iron on their own, so it is necessary to supply this element through our daily diet. Disorders of iron absorption or insufficient intake of iron lead to the depletion of this nutrient in our bodies. However, the most common symptoms of iron deficiency include muscle weakness, drowsiness, headache, excessive fatigue or fatigue due to pregnancy, obesity, anorexia nervosa, inflammation of the skin, and the development of fungi and fungi. Among the most serious consequences of too low iron intake is anemia, also known as iron deficiency anemia. As mentioned earlier, anemia affects about 2 billion people worldwide. Anemia is a problem that occurs in both developing and advanced civilizations. However, the highest percentage of those affected is found in underdeveloped countries, where it is 30-70% and is mainly related to food shortages. Among the most vulnerable to iron deficiency are women, especially during menstruation and during pregnancy, children and adolescents during growth, people with frequent bleeding, chronic inflammation or cancer, people with impaired iron absorption, athletes, vegans, vegetarians, people who follow improperly balanced diets and eat monotonously.

Numerous developing countries struggle with the problem of iron deficiency anemia, leading to serious health consequences. This issue has been taken up by Canadian scientists who have begun the search for an affordable yet effective method to tackle this condition. In poverty-stricken regions such as Cambodia, purchasing iron-rich dietary supplements is incompatible with limited resources, not to mention the limited availability of this type of medication. An alternative method has been developed, a small piece of iron in the shape of a fish, known as the "lucky iron fish". The creator of this product, Dr. Christopher Charles, gave iron the shape of a fish as people in Cambodia believe it brings good luck. Clinical trials conducted by scientists and independent companies have shown that using the lucky iron fish at least three times a week for a period of three to twelve months reduced the number of clinical cases of anemia in Cambodia by up to 50%. Scientists assure that the correct use of the lucky iron fish has no negative side effects. Furthermore, it covers 75% of an adult's daily iron needs and even more in the case of children.

Iron fish constitutes a safe and very simple solution that enables enriching a meal with iron. Initially, the fish should be thoroughly cleaned using soap and water, so its application does not affect the taste of the dish, and a single fish can serve for up to five years. This action should be performed before every use of the fish. Subsequently, 2-3 drops of an acidic liquid (e.g. lemon juice) should be added to water or soup, brought to a boil, the iron fish thrown into the pot, and cooked for 10 minutes, after which it should be removed. Thanks to this modest procedure, approximately 6-8 mg of well-absorbable iron are released into the water. The water prepared in this way can subsequently be utilized in various ways. Currently, iron fish have become an indispensable part of the life of many families residing in Cambodia. Considering the deficient diet of the inhabitants of developing countries, which is primarily based on rice and small amounts of fish, it can be concluded that the invention of iron fish significantly resolves the issue of anemia due to malnutrition.