Pharmacist and renowned health advocate Dr. George Anagli has dispelled the common belief that drinking a combination of malt and milk can replenish blood or treat anaemia. In an interview with Pulse Ghana, Dr. Anagli emphasised that malt and milk do not treat anaemia or directly enhance blood production.
He also raised concerns about the unnecessary use of antibiotics, highlighting the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, Dr. Anagli cautioned that natural and herbal products can lead to side effects or interact negatively with prescribed medications.
While acknowledging that malt and milk may provide certain nutrients and energy, he clarified that this combination does not directly boost blood production or remedy anaemia. The combination is widely accepted in Ghana, especially in rural communities, where many believe it helps increase blood levels. However, Dr. Anagli warned that such misconceptions can spread misinformation about health and discourage individuals from seeking appropriate medical care.
“Another misconception that has been passed down through generations is that taking malt and milk ‘creates blood’,” he said. He explained that the body requires specific nutrients and healthy physiological functions to produce red blood cells.
“While both can be nutritious and provide energy, they do not directly increase blood production. The body requires nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, folate, adequate protein, and healthy bone marrow function to produce red blood cells. Simply drinking malt and milk alone will not treat anaemia or increase blood levels,” he stated.
Dr Anagli also cautioned against the widespread practice of taking antibiotics whenever a person feels unwell, stressing that the medicines are intended to treat specific bacterial infections.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that antibiotics can be used to ‘cleanse the body’ or should be taken whenever someone feels unwell. This is not true,” he said. “Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections, not viral illnesses or to detoxify the body. Using antibiotics unnecessarily contributes to antimicrobial resistance, making infections harder to treat in the future.
Natural does not always mean safe
Dr. Anagli cautioned against the assumption that herbal, natural, or organic products are automatically safe just because they come from natural sources. He pointed out that products with therapeutic effects can also cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications. “The reality is that anything capable of producing a therapeutic effect can also lead to side effects or interact with other medicines. Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe.
Herbal products should be used responsibly, and whenever possible, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional,” he stated. Dr. Anagli emphasised the importance of addressing health misinformation through accessible, evidence-based public education, which is crucial for helping people make informed health decisions. He encouraged the public to seek professional advice rather than relying on outdated beliefs or unverified health claims when dealing with medical conditions.
