Pumpkin Seeds as a Natural Remedy for Anemia: Nutritional Insights and Therapeutic Potential.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing nutritional mechanisms without systematic review or meta-analysis.
PubMed 40535566 · doi:10.1016/j.curtheres.2025.100797
What was done
This narrative review synthesized literature on the global prevalence of anemia, nutritional etiologies, and the mechanistic and therapeutic potential of pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita spp.) as a dietary intervention for iron deficiency.
What was found
The abstract reports World Health Organization global anemia prevalence estimates of 40% in children aged 6 to 59 months, 37% in pregnant women, and 30% in women aged 15 to 49 years. It identifies pumpkin seeds as sources of iron, zinc, magnesium, and bioactive compounds, but reports no clinical trial data or quantitative treatment effect sizes.
Why it matters
It highlights an accessible, nutrient-dense functional food that may serve as an adjunct dietary strategy for addressing iron deficiency in vulnerable populations.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks a systematic search protocol and risk-of-bias assessment. No primary human trial data, quantitative bioavailability metrics, or standardized dosing regimens are reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are high in iron.