Millets National Media Portal
Millets National Media Portal
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is the most effective millet for combating iron-deficiency anemia and boosting hemoglobin levels. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Nutrition (Anitha et al., 2024) found that regular millet consumption — particularly pearl millet — significantly raised hemoglobin levels compared to refined staple diets.
Iron content and hemoglobin support across millets:
Pearl millet: Highest iron content among millets (>11 mg/100 g); also rich in zinc (>3 mg/100 g) and folic acid — the complete nutritional package for anemia treatment.
Finger millet (Ragi): Contains significant iron alongside its notable calcium content; beneficial for adolescent girls and pregnant women.
Foxtail millet: Good iron source; particularly valuable for pregnant women as iron is critical for fetal red blood cell formation and oxygen transport.
Fermentation benefit: Traditional processing (fermentation, germination) significantly improves iron bioavailability by reducing phytate content — the primary inhibitor of iron absorption in millets.
WHO recognition: Pearl millet's exceptional iron and folic acid content makes it a recognized food-based approach to addressing anemia in developing nations, per WHO nutritional guidance.
Global impact: A meta-analysis showed that substituting rice or wheat with millets as staples significantly reduced anemia prevalence in communities across Africa and Asia.
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