Coca-Cola claims anti-anemia property

Norwich, England -- The Coca-Cola Co. is working with scientists at the University of North Anglia in Norwich, Britain, to try to show that Coke can combat anemia.

Anemia is usually connected to an iron deficiency in a person's red blood cells. Coca-Cola Co. officials believe the popular fizzy drink helps release iron from food so more of the mineral can be absorbed into the body, The Independent reported Sunday.

The University is conducting clinical trials in which men and women are being fed pizza with Coke, and then having the iron level in their blood measured.

The study is known as a randomized crossover trial, which is usually used to test new drugs. It will compare the absorption of iron into the body from meals of pizza, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and mineral water.

The Coca-Cola Co. is suggesting that Coke could be a cheap, efficient way to tackle iron deficiency problems, especially in young women.

The World Health Organization has estimated that nearly 1 billion people are anemic because of iron deficiency, the newspaper said.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.