Answer to Question #64963 in Biology for Roger

Question

An old home remedy for anemia was to drink from a jug of water into which was added a handful of iron nails. Why might this have been effective at treating certain forms of anemia?

Answer 1

This method is based on the hypothesis that ions of Iron migrated to the water will enrich erythrocytes enabling them to transport more Oxygen.
However, not enough iron would be absorbed into the water and into the person to make a significant difference.