Myth: Maltina and Milk, Excellent Blood Replenisher? By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

Different food item offer an array of nutrient from the six classes of food. The only fact is that a particular food item maybe dominant in a nutrient rendering all others negligible, as an example, rice is mostly known to contain carbohydrate (sugar or energy), but in reality, contains some levels of protein, fats and even some B vitamins are found in brown rice.

That being said, as an old tradition still with high relevance in this contemporary time is a myth – concoction of malt and milk is a good blood-booster.

People when recuperating from illness are advised to take a mixture of malt and milk because it has the characteristics of replenishing dead blood cells that fought the foreign microorganism during the illness.

The blood basically contains plasma – for transport of digested food, platelets – prevent and stop bleeding, red blood cells – transport of oxygen to other parts of the body from the lungs and white blood cell – fight diseases and other infections. For synthesis of blood by the body, the most important nutrient is ‘Iron’, for any food material to be considered a blood-booster, it must contain substantial amount of iron – mechanism left for experts to discuss.

Looking at the nutritional content of both malt and milk as labelled on the products, malt contains carbohydrate, protein, vitamins and water, and milk contains fats, carbohydrates, cholesterol, vitamins, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. The thing note is that none of both commodity contains iron – major mineral that must be contained in any food before it can be classified as a blood-booster. With this it can be deduced that no scientific evidence to prove this old assumption right.

Individually, malt grain contains fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamin B6, which together lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of cardiac disease. Its dietary fiber helps reduce insulin activity and increases cholesterol absorption from the gut and encourages cholesterol breakdown and milk is a significant source of protein, vitamin D, vitamin A, and calcium, as well as other essential nutrients.

Many experts associate diets containing dairy with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. The nutrient profile of milk supports bone health.

Though the concoction is sumptuous and appealing to the palates, it has no base in the scientific realm with regards boosting blood.