Kumari Andugula Swapna, Arumugam Gowrishankar, Babu Shyamaladevi, Krishnan Madhan, Singampalli Nohini Sandhya, Chandramohan Jayanthi
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Saveetha College of Nursing, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, KIMS College of Nursing, Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2025 May 14;103:100797. doi: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2025.100797. eCollection 2025.
Anemia is a widespread global health concern characterized by reduced hemoglobin levels and diminished oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. According to the World Health Organization, anemia affects 40% of children aged 6 to 59 months, 37% of pregnant women, and 30% of women aged 15 to 49 years globally. The condition is primarily linked to iron deficiency, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, although other factors such as vitamin B12 insufficiency, parasitic infections, chronic diseases, and genetic disorders also contribute. The socioeconomic and health impacts of anemia highlight the need for effective prevention and management strategies. Dietary interventions play a critical role in addressing iron deficiency, with functional foods gaining prominence for their sustainable and cost-effective potential. Among these, pumpkin seeds ( spp) stand out due to their rich nutrient profile and potential health benefits. This review explores the global and Indian prevalence of anemia, the nutritional complexity of the condition, and the therapeutic potential of pumpkin seeds. It discusses their nutritional composition, mechanisms of action, and current evidence supporting their role in combating anemia while identifying research gaps and future directions for establishing standardized dietary recommendations. Much literature and scientific research underscore the importance of nutrient-dense foods such as pumpkin seeds, which are rich in essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and bioactive compounds that support hematopoiesis and overall health. Leveraging the therapeutic potential of these natural alternatives, alongside fortified food programs and precise monitoring methods, can significantly contribute to anemia reduction and improve public health outcomes.
贫血是一个全球广泛关注的健康问题，其特征是血红蛋白水平降低和血液携氧能力下降。根据世界卫生组织的数据，全球40%的6至59个月儿童、37%的孕妇以及30%的15至49岁女性受贫血影响。这种情况主要与缺铁有关，特别是在低收入和中等收入国家，不过其他因素如维生素B12缺乏、寄生虫感染、慢性疾病和遗传疾病也有影响。贫血对社会经济和健康的影响凸显了有效预防和管理策略的必要性。饮食干预在解决缺铁问题方面发挥着关键作用，功能性食品因其可持续和成本效益潜力而日益受到关注。其中，南瓜籽因其丰富的营养成分和潜在的健康益处而脱颖而出。本综述探讨了全球和印度贫血的患病率、该病症的营养复杂性以及南瓜籽的治疗潜力。它讨论了南瓜籽的营养成分、作用机制以及目前支持其在对抗贫血中作用的证据，同时确定研究空白和建立标准化饮食建议的未来方向。许多文献和科学研究强调了营养丰富的食物如南瓜籽的重要性，南瓜籽富含铁、锌、镁等必需微量营养素以及支持造血和整体健康的生物活性化合物。利用这些天然替代品的治疗潜力，以及强化食品计划和精确的监测方法，可以显著有助于减少贫血并改善公共卫生结果。
