Suffering from Anemia? A Special Iron Fish Might Solve Your Problem

Did you know that the most common nutritional disorder in the world is iron deficiency? To tackle this issue, a Canadian doctor invented a simple but ingenious solution called "Lucky Iron Fish."

The fish, measuring just a few centimeters, provides an adequate amount of iron recommended for an adult by the World Health Organization. All you need to do is boil it in water for 10 minutes. It sounds too good to be true, but it turns out this simple and inexpensive solution can provide iron for up to 5 years!

Iron is a mineral that the body easily absorbs from eating meat, but it is more challenging to acquire for those on a vegetarian diet. In underdeveloped or developing countries, iron deficiency can be extreme, especially among children. As mentioned, the amount of iron in the "Lucky Fish" is sufficient for 5 years of daily use.

After prolonged use, a new fish should be purchased, and the old one discarded. How do you know when it's time to buy a new fish and that there's no longer enough iron in the fish? The researchers found a clever solution for this too. When the smile on the fish's face disappears, it's time to replace it.

Why a fish? Why did the researchers choose a fish shape rather than another? Dr. Gavin Armstrong, who originally developed the product for poor countries, explains: "In Cambodia, the fish is a symbol of luck, and to convince people to put a piece of iron into their soup pots, it was necessary to find a universally accepted and beloved symbol. It worked great in Cambodia but not in India," Armstrong explains. In India, the fish shape didn't persuade people to try the new product, so Armstrong simply changed the fish to a leaf shape, and indeed, it was an immediate success.

The idea not only sounds promising but is also backed by clinical research proving its effectiveness. The "Lucky Fish" has earned its developer numerous awards, including the "Innovative Development Award for Positive Businesses," which encourages businesses that help achieve global nutritional goals. Armstrong also works with charities worldwide to reach low-income families who cannot afford the fish.

"At a cost of $50 per fish, which is less than a tenth of the cost of iron supplements for five years, and certainly more enjoyable for children," says Armstrong, "we can provide iron to many people worldwide and prevent anemia."

What do you think, could the world be on the verge of a promising solution for a healthier future?