Synergistic effects of red beet (beta vulgaris) and calorie-restricted diet on iron deficiency anemia and metabolic syndrome in reproductive-age women

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is prevalent among women of childbearing age, often worsened by metabolic syndrome and restrictive diets like veganism. This case explores the effects of red beetroot juice supplementation alongside a hypocaloric diet in a 32-year-old obese vegan woman with IDA and metabolic syndrome. A 12-week intervention included a 1200 kcal/day diet with three main meals and three snacks, each containing 250 ml of fresh red beetroot juice. Anthropometric measures, body composition, blood pressure, hemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, lipid profile, fasting glucose, and insulin were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12. Significant improvements (P<0.05) were observed in weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and fat mass, alongside increased fat-free mass and total body water. Hemoglobin and ferritin normalized, while soluble transferrin receptor levels decreased, indicating improved iron metabolism. Blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol declined, whereas HDL increased. Red beetroot juice, combined with a calorie-restricted diet, shows promise in managing obesity, metabolic syndrome, and IDA in vegan individuals. Further research is needed to establish long-term effects and optimize supplementation strategies.