Effects of beetroot (Beta vulgaris) supplements on selective enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is not only associated with iron deficiency but has shown strong association with the over production of free radicles and deficiency of antioxidant enzymes. The result of this imbalance is oxidative stress (OS) which is now considered as an important associated factor with various diseases. Treating IDA in most of cases with oral iron supplements results in more OS as iron is a transition metal. A more suitable alternate for iron supplementation is Beta vulgaris supplement, which being herbal in origin is far less associated with side effects. We studied effects of beta vulgaris supplements on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in IDA patients. A significant increase in all study parameters were observed after treatment (p<0.05). When pre-supplemental values of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH-PX) of IDA were compared with post-supplemental values, they were significantly low (p<0.05).A positive correlation was noted between the two antioxidants and hemoglobin (Hb) values suggesting a direct relationship between antioxidant status and Hb levels. Non enzymatic antioxidants included vitamin A,C and E. We also found a significant improvement (p<0.05) of these vitamins when compared with their initial values and the control group. Our study shows improvement of antioxidant status of anemic patients with 12 week supplementation of Beta vulgaris.