Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Duckweed protein, derived from aquatic plants of the Lemnaceae family (such as Wolffia globosa), is emerging as a novel source of plant-based protein and micronutrients. There is growing scientific interest in its potential to support or treat anemia, primarily due to its high iron content and favorable amino acid profile. Several studies have analyzed the nutrient composition of duckweed, finding that certain species provide significant amounts of bioavailable, non-heme iron as well as other hematopoietic nutrients like folate and vitamin B12 (in small but detectable amounts for some species).

A randomized controlled trial published in Clinical Nutrition (2022) investigated the effects of Mankai (a type of duckweed) on iron status in humans and found that its consumption as part of a plant-based diet improved serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels compared to controls. The study suggested that iron from duckweed is relatively bioavailable, possibly due to its low phytate content compared to other plant sources. Additional in vitro and animal studies corroborate these findings, showing duckweed-derived iron can be absorbed and utilized for erythropoiesis.

While research is still limited and mostly preliminary, the evidence base is growing, justifying a moderate (3/5) rating. More large-scale and long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. There is little to no record of duckweed being used traditionally for anemia, indicating its use is primarily scientifically driven rather than based on historical practices.

More about Duckweed Protein
More about Anemia

Other ingredients used for Anemia

alfalfa
amino acids
anchovies
apple
ashwagandha
astragalus
beet
black cumin
sesame
blackberry
bovine
bovine liver
bovine spleen
broccoli
brussel sprouts
caterpillar mushroom
catjang cowpea
chlorella
coconut milk
collard
cordyceps
dog rose
dong quai root
fish protein
folate
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fu ling
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
greens blend (proprietary)
hibiscus
Indian tinospora
iron
jujube
kale
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lactoferrin
lemon
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
maca
mackerel
moringa
nettle
oat
orange
oyster mushroom
parsley
plantain
plum fruit
pollen
pomegranate
pomelo
protein
pumpkin
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quail egg
quinoa
redcurrant
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhizome
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sardines
shiitake mushroom
soybean
spinach
spirulina
tomato
triphala
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
watercress
wheat grass
mulberry
yeast
zinc
suma
tangerine
shen-chu
mugwort
nut grass
punarnava
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
peony
lingzhi
morus
root tuber
cistanche
dodder
ganoderma
hyacinth bean
lotus seed
morinda
trichosanthes
dulse leaf
royal jelly
trace minerals
purslane
fulvic acid
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millet seed
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17beta-[{1-Ketoethyl}-androsta-1, 4-diene-3-one,17a-ol]
17a-di methyl-bol
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Animal Tissue
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Angelica
Achyranthes
Auricularia
Abrus
Alchornea
Autumn Olive
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
Astragaloside
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Algal protein
Abalone
Allium tuberosum
Animal protein
Bermuda Grass
Bidens pilosa
Breadnut
Blepharis
Beef Protein
Butea monosperma
Beef
Beef liver
Buffalo
Bok Choy
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bael
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Butternut
berry
Black Gram
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Broad Bean
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Blue-Green Alage
banana
Baobab
Buckwheat
Boerhavia diffusa
Bird's nest
Cumin
Cowpea
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Capillary Artemisia
Cyathula
Cashew
Citrus
Cereal grass
Chlorophytum
Chard
Chicken
Curcuma
C-Phycocyanin
Canihua
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Cytokines
Cassava
Celosia
Currant
Duodenum
Deer Root
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dragon Fruit
Dong Quai
Dolichos
Date
Dulse
Eupolyphaga sinensis
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Egg
Eclipta
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Fig
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Zucchini

Other health conditions supported by Duckweed Protein

Anemia
Cholesterol (high)
Diabetes
Hypertension
Inflammation
Weight Loss

Products containing Duckweed Protein

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.