The Lucky Iron Fish: A Simple Solution To A Very Complex Problem?

Charles, who received a grant from the Canadian International Development Program to look into the issue, wasn't about to give up when it turned out women simply didn't want to use the iron discs provided. He decided to remarket the disc, shaping it as a lotus flower instead. That didn't work either, but he and his team did find out that a certain fish species was a symbol of good luck in Cambodia. Once the iron discs were shaped like these fish, the reluctance largely went away and people started using them — with good results. Later research found that those who used the lucky iron fish in their cooking regularly had much better blood iron levels, and the rate of iron-deficiency anemia went down by 43 percent among individuals who used the fish.

My Experience

I encountered an article on the BBC that mentioned the invention. With sparked curiosity, I set out to find out more about the fish and found out that it was for sale online. You may well have heard about the lucky iron fish already, given the amount of social media coverage it received, but you probably think of it as something that helps people in developing countries. 

Being a vegetarian myself, the lucky iron fish really appealed to me. Past blood tests showed that I was deficient, and I figured that using the lucky iron fish would be a simpler and cheaper option than constantly purchasing supplements, which can also cause side effects. Besides, that lucky iron fish really looked awesome. I wanted it.

I took the plunge and bought one. If you buy a lucky iron fish (expensive at $25 plus packaging and shipping!), you also gift one to a Camodian family, so you are helping someone else as well as yourself. After waiting waiting for it for what seemed like an eternity, the fish finally showed up. It had to come all the way from Cambodia after all. 

The charming fish is really quite a heavy cooking accessory that just about fits into the palm of your hand. When you use it, you need to add some lemon juice to your cooking to promote the absoption of iron. Using the fish once a day (by boiling it in water for 10 minutes), will give you an average of 70 µg/g, which is about 75 percent of a person's recommended daily iron intake. Because the amount of iron released by the fish is relatively small (smaller than most iron supplements will give you), there are no side effects like constipations. What's more, the fish has been extensively tested and it's completely safe and non-toxic.

READ Study: Iron Deficiency Anemia Increases The Risk Of Stroke

Why Should You Get One?

You should consider purchasing a lucky iron fish if your daily iron intake is on the low side or you have indeed been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. The makers recommend using it at least once a day for optimal benefits. Don't forget the lemon juice. If you are not anemic or at risk of anemia yourself, how about buying a lucky iron fish for one of your friends? The fish is cute, and looks great, and you will be giving a Camodian family something that can really improve their quality of life, along with offering yourself higher levels of iron.