Pomegranate Juice and Its Bioactive Compounds: Promising Therapeutic Agents for Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Pomegranate juice (PJ) is rich in various bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins (ATs), ellagic tannins (ETs) and ellagic acid (EA), and has the potential to be utilized as a therapeutic intervention for iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This narrative review offers a comprehensive overview of current research on the efficacy of PJ in the prevention and treatment of IDA, while also delving further into associated mechanisms. It is proposed that PJ may effectively manage IDA through direct or indirect means, including acting as a source for iron supplementation, enhancing iron absorption, exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, modulating gut microbiota and promoting intestinal mucosal repair. Nevertheless, more researches are warranted to validate the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of PJ as a promising therapy for IDA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]