Wheatgrass juice and red blood cells - Response to Choice magazine

“Wheatgrass builds red blood cells and improves circulation and tissue
oxygenation”

"Verdict: Based on conjecture – needs more research.
These claims seem to be based on the presence of chlorophyll the green pigment in plants that plays the key role in photosynthesis. It makes up more than 70% of the solid content of wheatgrass juice and its molecular strutcture is a bit like that of haemoglobin, the component of red blood cells that transports oxygen. The theory is that because chlorophyll and haemoglobin are alike in structure, taking wheatgrass juice enhances haemoglobin production. But as far as evidence goes, there’s little to be found.
• One small pilot study of 16 patients with transfusion-dependent beta thalassaemia (an inherited disease in which red blood cells die easily and regular blood transfusions are required) found that fewer transfusions were required in 50% of patients when wheatgrass juice was taken daily, although in 50% there was no benefit..."

(This statement is Incorrect! The study actually shows that all participants,except for one experienced lower blood transfusion requirements. In Edition blood transfusion requirements fell below 25% in 50% of the patients)
See Wheat Grass juice reduces transfusion requierment in patients with thalassemia and
Thelassemia: Wheatgrass shows promise as an effective inducer of fetal hemoglobin
"...These observations are interesting, but as the authors themselves point
out, the mechanism needs to be proven and additional research carried out before the claims can be properly validated."

Our Comments - Wheatgrass and red blood cells

There are currently different views on whether chlorophyll in wheatgrass has the ability to increase the number of red blood cells in the body and improve circulation and oxygenation.

The Pilot study in India on Thalassemia that is mentioned here in this article is, as Choice said, certainly interesting and worth much more investigation. The initial review of the study was completed on Nov 19th, 2003.

Thalassemia, although an uncommon disease in most countries, does affect a large amount of people in Asia (60,000 in Thailand for example)(11) and its symptoms are enlarged liver and spleen, heart failure, growth retardation, endocrine disorders and a number of other symptoms.

Here is an article written by Dr Chris Reynold’s M.B.B.S. (General Practitioner in Melbourne, Australia) about the Thalassemia pilot study.

Here is the actual pilot study writeup as posted by Indian Pediatrics (Volume 41, July 17th, 2004, p716-720)) - http://medind.nic.in (12).
There are not many studies or trials that have been directly involved with humans that we are aware of – most of them have been with animals. There are however many testimonials and a good deal of anecdotal evidence.
Here are some more trials that have been undertaken.

  • Tamura. 1959. The effect on experimental anemia of radioactive Co60 chlorophyllinCo-chlorophyllin increased the leucocyte count and hemoglobin content in rats and directly or indirectly stimulated hematopoiesis (blood formation). In cases of malignant tumor treated with irradiation the increase in hemoglobin content, erythrocyte and leucocyte counts was more marked than in the uninjected group. (5)
  • Information about Chlorophyll and blood regenaration (Pines International Pty Ltd) (13)

Please also refer to:

  • Chlorophyll. Nature’s Green Magic by Theodore M. Rudolph, Ph.D Nutritional Research Publishing Company.
  • Chlorophyll and Hemoglobin Regeneration after Hemmorrhage, by J.H. Hughes and A.L. Latner. Journal of Physiology. Vol.86, #388, 1936 University of Liverpool.
  • Patek "Chlorophyll and Regeneration of Blood," - Archives of Internal Medicine. 57, 76 (1936)

Conclusion - Wheatgrass juice and red blood cells :

This is a topic that certainly needs more research. The recent study into wheatgrass as an effective treatment for Thalassemia shows exciting results even though it is played down by Choice.

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Choice magazine compares wheatgrass to Coffee and Coke!

Overall conclusion of Choice magazine's article - “Wheatgrass…It’s the health tonic of the moment, but where’s the evidence for its benefits?”