Experienced health experts in the field of blood diseases disagree with the advertisement's claims about certain medications being 'blood tonics', saying that the information is deceptive.
They recommend against using 'blood tonics', stating that it is not supported by scientific medicine.
Scholars from the University of Lagos believe that the use of 'blood tonics' is simply a marketing ploy used by product marketers to entice the public to purchase them, and they insist that most of the advertisement claims are filled with false information.
Specialists in blood transfusion recommend that people who are feeling tired should first undergo a medical examination to identify the cause and treat it before considering taking a 'blood tonic' that their body may not actually need.
According to Mayo Clinic, a lack of iron may lead to unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, decreased physical performance, and learning difficulties in children and adults, and may increase the risk of infection.
The clinic stated that iron is a mineral necessary for the body to produce red blood cells.
It added that when the body lacks sufficient iron, it cannot produce the necessary number of normal red blood cells, leading to a condition known as iron deficiency (shortage of iron) or iron deficiency anemia.
The haematologists, who have more than 30 years of experience, cautioned that indiscriminate use of vitamin and mineral supplements, some of which contain iron, can be dangerous, even though supplements on their own are not harmful. Speaking separately in exclusive interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, they warned about the dangers of excessive iron in the blood, which can have negative effects on the body and may also lead to accelerated aging and related complications. They emphasized the importance of seeking medical evaluation before taking vitamin and mineral supplements to address tiredness.
They also mentioned that excessive iron in the blood can negatively impact the body and may cause rapid aging and its associated problems.
They highlighted that a doctor should prescribe vitamins and minerals for individuals experiencing fatigue following a medical assessment.
Sulaimon Akanmu, a professor of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine at the University of Lagos College of Medicine, identified hemorrhage, decreased red cell survival, and anemia of bone marrow failure as the three main factors that can cause anemia.
He also stated that risk factors for anemia include consuming a diet low in iron, vitamins, or minerals, blood loss from surgery or injury, and serious illnesses such as kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, and thyroid disease.
He noted that iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia globally, including in Nigeria.
Explaining why the term 'blood tonic' should be discouraged, the haematologist said, “I don’t know what blood tonic means when people say blood tonic.”
In my mind, I am assuming that they are referring to some vitamins and minerals like iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and vitamin B3 that may be required for blood formation or the formation of red blood cells. I assume that that is what they mean.
“If that is what they mean by blood tonic, it is only prescribed and required when you are deficient in those vitamins or you lack some minerals like iron, manganese, and zinc in your blood.
“Most of the advertisements about blood tonics are largely misleading. It is true that if you lack certain vitamins and minerals like iron, you can become anemic. There's no doubt about that, and you should take the vitamins or minerals you are deficient in.”
Akanmu noted that although fatigue could be related to low blood levels, there could be other reasons such as illnesses and infections.
He mentioned that the cause of blood loss should be investigated and addressed before taking any vitamin or mineral supplements for blood production.
“As far as I'm concerned, there is no such thing as blood tonic. Medications for deficiencies in vitamins or minerals are prescribed based on the specific ones you lack, and then you receive treatment.
“So, calling it blood tonic is a general statement that allows unnecessary purchase by those who don't require extra vitamins and minerals. It's mostly a means to make money. So, I believe most of the time, it's misinformation,” he stated.
Explaining further about the potential causes of fatigue and anemia, the professor said, “It's true that fatigue can be due to low blood levels. But numerous other factors can also lead to fatigue.
“If you've overexerted yourself, you will naturally feel tired. Malaria infection can also cause fatigue. Additionally, significant illnesses such as kidney disease, liver disease, or lung diseases can result in tiredness.
“Many diseases present as fatigue, but labeling everything as a blood shortage and then taking blood tonic amounts to misinformation, and we need to be cautious.”
The hematologist added, “So, I'm concerned when people mention blood tonic, and I usually ask them how it 'tones' the blood.
“So, I believe it's just a marketing ploy, and I think the term 'blood tonic' should not be encouraged. There is no such thing as blood tonic in medicine as far as I'm concerned.
“If you're experiencing fatigue and we discover a blood shortage, the next step is to determine the cause of the blood shortage.
Akanmu concluded that while multivitamins help the body's enzymes function properly, the idea that it's a blood tonic is misleading because it doesn't boost the blood.
Supporting his colleague's statement, a Consultant Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, Prof Edamisan Temiye, also from LUTH, stated that there is no such thing as blood tonic.
The hematologist stated, “We don't prescribe blood tonic to anyone. It's not a thing, and it can be risky at times.
“If you have low blood levels, it's important to determine the cause and seek treatment.
“It can be caused by malaria, as malaria reduces blood levels. But it can be dangerous for someone with cancer. No knowledgeable doctor would prescribe blood tonic for you.”
