Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Root tubers, such as those from plants like sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), cassava (Manihot esculenta), and yam (Dioscorea spp.), have been traditionally used in various cultures as dietary staples and sometimes as remedies for conditions including anemia. The traditional rationale for their use in anemia is largely nutritional: many root tubers contain moderate amounts of iron, vitamin C, and other nutrients that can support hemoglobin synthesis and red blood cell production. For example, sweet potatoes are known to contain iron (albeit in modest amounts) and vitamin C, which enhances non-heme iron absorption. In some folk medicine systems, decoctions or preparations of root tubers are taken to "strengthen the blood"—a concept loosely related to anemia. However, scientific validation of root tubers as effective standalone treatments for anemia is limited. While root tubers can contribute to an overall balanced diet that supports hematological health, their iron content is generally lower and less bioavailable than that found in animal products or iron supplements. Therefore, while traditional use exists, especially in regions where root tubers are dietary staples and animal sources are scarce, scientific evidence rates their effectiveness as supportive but not curative for anemia, meriting a modest evidence score.

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