Nutritionists say consuming malt, tomato paste mixture can’t boost blood volume

Nutritionists have debunked the persistent misconception that combining tomato paste and malt drink can cause the body's blood volume to rise.

They asserted that the idea that such a combination raises blood levels in anaemic individuals is unsupported by scientific data.

The specialists refuted the allegation, describing tomato paste as an unhealthy mix and emphasising that there is no connection between tomato paste and iron, which the body requires for the production of haemoglobin.

The World Health Organisation defines anaemia as a disorder in which there are either fewer red blood cells than usual or a lower-than-normal concentration of haemoglobin in them.

It primarily impacts women and kids. According to the WHO, anaemia arises when the body doesn't have enough haemoglobin to supply oxygen to the organs and tissues.

According to experts, anaemia is still a serious public health issue, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where it is a contributing factor in maternal deaths. Malnutrition or an insufficient amount of iron are the most frequent causes of maternal anaemia.

According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, anaemia is still very common among Nigerian women who are of reproductive age.

Anaemia among Nigerian women was found to be mostly caused by nutritional deficiencies and a lack of basic housing infrastructure, according to the survey.

Beatrice Ogunba, a professor of public health nutrition at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, refuted the myth that consuming malt and tomato paste together could raise blood volume in the body and said there is no scientific evidence to support it.

"What I know is that tomatoes have beta-carotene and not iron," Ogunba clarified. Iron cannot be produced from tomato paste for any reason. I'm not sure where the iron is coming from, then. I'm not aware of any scientific proof for that. Tomatoes contain beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin C, but not iron.

Therefore, the claim that tomato paste and malt together increase blood volume cannot be correct. I perceive no connection between iron and tomato paste and I don’t have any scientific evidence.

“Tomato is not a source of iron; there are some iron-rich foods that give iron and not tomato. So, it is a misconception.”

The nutritionist noted that tomato paste is not fortified with iron and therefore will not be able to provide the iron needed by the body.
Regarding the nutritional value of malt drinks, the don stated that while malt contains some vitamins, it does not contain iron. That being said, some types of malt may have low iron content.

Ogunba, however, asserted that malt was not considered an iron-rich diet and advised Nigerians suffering from anaemia to consult a doctor and eat any animal protein, including fish and meat.

Olusola Malomo, a chief dietitian at the Lagos State Health Service Commission, provided more context by stating that the idea that mixing tomato paste with a malt beverage could raise blood pressure is untrue.

He claims that some people think tomato paste has a lot of iron because of its red colour.

Consuming tomato paste and malt beverages is a myth or fallacy, according to Malomo, as there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that these foods will increase the body's blood iron concentration.

Salt, a carbohydrate, and tomato paste, a source of vitamin C and a few other minerals, won't work alone to increase blood volume. A potentially detrimental nutrient-to-nutrient interaction could exist.

Therefore, it's possible that the combination of malt and a tomato paste that should be cooked isn't producing the desired outcome.

He suggested that individuals with anaemia consume more protein in their diet, particularly from animal sources such seafood, beef, and chicken.

He said that iron deficiency was a major cause of anaemia and that the sickness related to diet could not be cured by combining malt and tomato paste.

The dietician observed, "Malt and tomato paste are commonly used by people when discussing anaemia. They believe that mixing it will raise their blood pressure. These are false beliefs.

You can use any blood-boosting multivitamin if you are low on blood. In the meantime, the tin tomato needs to be cooked, if it is taken. You shouldn't take it uncooked.

"Some of them never return to inform us of the ramifications of this combination."

The dietician stated he was more concerned about the tomato paste's expiration dates and manufacturing procedure, even though no studies have determined the health effects of consuming tomato paste and malt mix.

"The consumer's health and the quality of the product will be impacted if the process is not standard." Few consumers study the manufacturing information at the point of purchase to consider their health', he continued.

The nutritionist clarified that tin tomato producers did not create their product to be consumed by mouth.

"This combination is incorrect," he said. Tin tomatoes must be cooked, and that is what is instructed to be done.”

Malomo suggested that Nigerians to be innovative in the way they eat and to eat healthily.

He counselled, “Now, the sustainable approach to tackling anaemia is when iron-rich foods are incorporated into the menu plan.

“The problem that causes the anaemia is your diet. So for us to have a sustainable result, we need to incorporate animal protein into our diet. It is not about money but about eating healthily.
"You can use supplements as directed by a doctor to improve your iron status if you are unable to do so through diet."