​Blackstrap Molasses (GloryBee Foods)

Blackstrap Molasses (GloryBee Foods)

Product Name: Черная тростниковая патока (Saccharum officinarum), Blackstrap Molasses (Saccharum officinarum), Schwarzer Zuckerrohrmelasse (Saccharum officinarum), Melaza Negra de Caña (Saccharum officinarum), Mélasse Noire de Canne à Sucre (Saccharum officinarum), دبس قصب السكر الأسود (Saccharum officinarum), กากน้ำตาลอ้อยสีดำ (Saccharum officinarum), Qoraqamish shakarqamish melassa (Saccharum officinarum), Карагай камышынан алынган кара патока (Saccharum officinarum), Qaraqamış şəkərqamışı melassa (Saccharum officinarum), Мелассаи найи сиёҳ (Saccharum officinarum), Juodasis cukranendrių melasa (Saccharum officinarum), Melase melnais no cukurniedrēm (Saccharum officinarum), Чорна патока з цукрової тростини (Saccharum officinarum), מלט שחור מקנה סוכר (Saccharum officinarum)

Main Indications for Use of Blackstrap Molasses: Iron-deficiency anemia, postmenopausal osteoporosis, essential arterial hypertension, ventricular arrhythmia, supraventricular arrhythmia, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurocirculatory asthenia, functional chronic constipation.

Indications for Use of Blackstrap Molasses as Part of Therapeutic Complexes: Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, chronic heart failure, deforming osteoarthritis, malignant epithelial tumors (stomach cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer) as part of supportive therapy, chronic viral hepatitis, compensated liver cirrhosis.

Main Pharmacological Properties of Blackstrap Molasses: Hematopoietic, anti-anemic, mineralizing, cardiotonic, antiarrhythmic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-stress, mild laxative, restorative, trophic.

Composition of Blackstrap Molasses: Blackstrap Organic Cane Molasses (black organic cane molasses).

Functions of the Components in Blackstrap Molasses:

Blackstrap Organic Cane Molasses (black organic cane molasses) — source of easily digestible iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium; provides prevention and correction of iron-deficiency anemia, supports bone tissue mineralization, normalizes electrolyte balance and heart rhythm, exerts a mild laxative and restorative effect.

Product Form of Blackstrap Molasses: Dosage form — thick viscous liquid (molasses) in a bottle. The volume of one package is 360 g. The contents consist of concentrated black cane molasses, containing on average: iron — 4.7 mg per 100 g, calcium — 200 mg per 100 g, magnesium — 242 mg per 100 g, potassium — 1464 mg per 100 g.

Dosage of Blackstrap Molasses

Standard Dosage for Blackstrap Molasses: Adults are recommended to take 1 tablespoon (15–20 ml ≈ 20 g) once a day after meals in the morning or afternoon. Recommended for mild iron-deficiency anemia, early-stage osteoporosis, stage I arterial hypertension, chronic functional constipation. Intake is best combined with sources of vitamin C (e.g., lemon juice) to enhance iron absorption.

Enhanced Dosage for Blackstrap Molasses: Adults are recommended to take 1 tablespoon (15–20 ml ≈ 20 g) twice a day after meals in the morning and evening. Used for moderate iron-deficiency anemia, pronounced postmenopausal osteoporosis, ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmia, stage II arterial hypertension. For optimal effect, it is recommended to combine with vitamin C and magnesium-containing products.

Maximum Dosage for Blackstrap Molasses: Adults are allowed to take 1 tablespoon (15–20 ml ≈ 20 g) three times a day after meals (morning, afternoon, evening). Used for severe iron-deficiency anemia as part of complex therapy, osteoporosis with frequent fractures, severe arrhythmias against a background of potassium and magnesium deficiency, pronounced chronic fatigue. Used in limited courses of no more than 30 days with subsequent transition to an enhanced dosage.

Pediatric Dosage for Blackstrap Molasses: Recommended for children over 6 years old with a body weight of at least 20 kg. The dosage is 1 teaspoon (5 ml ≈ 7 g) once a day after meals in the morning. Used for mild iron-deficiency anemia, chronic functional constipation, increased fatigue. For adolescents over 12 years old and weighing over 40 kg, an increase in dose to 2 teaspoons (10 ml ≈ 14 g) per day is allowed. There is no data on safety of use in children under 6 years old.

Prophylactic Dosage for Blackstrap Molasses: Adults are recommended to take 1 teaspoon (5 ml ≈ 7 g) once a day after meals. Used for the prevention of iron deficiency in women of reproductive age, prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, prevention of arterial hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias in patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases. The prophylactic intake course is 2 months, to be repeated 2–3 times a year.

Contraindications for Blackstrap Molasses: Type 1 diabetes, severe type 2 diabetes, hyperkalemia, severe chronic kidney disease with impaired excretory function, individual intolerance to the product. No scientifically registered data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years of age.

Side Effects of Blackstrap Molasses: Possible side effects from exceeding the dosage include diarrhea, flatulence, intestinal cramps, hyperkalemia, increased blood sugar levels in patients with carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

Body Weight Adjustment: Patients with a body weight below 60 kg are recommended to reduce the daily dose by 25%. Patients with a body weight above 90 kg are allowed to increase the daily dose by 25% from standard values.

Storage Conditions for Blackstrap Molasses: Store in a tightly closed glass or plastic container at a temperature from +5 °C to +25 °C, in a dry place protected from direct sunlight. Avoid storage near sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life in closed packaging — 24 months. After opening, consume within 3 months if stored in the refrigerator.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Blackstrap Molasses

Scientific data on the toxicity of blackstrap molasses indicate its high degree of biosafety. The preparation is a concentrate of sugars, minerals, and phenolic compounds, containing no toxic alkaloids or glycosides. No direct data on the LD₅₀ of molasses itself in experimental models have been registered; toxicological parameters are calculated based on its content of simple sugars and mineral components.

For sucrose, LD₅₀ (rats, oral) is 29.7 g/kg body weight; for potassium chloride LD₅₀ (rats, oral) — 2.6 g/kg body weight; for magnesium sulfate LD₅₀ (rats, oral) — 8.1 g/kg body weight; for calcium chloride LD₅₀ (rats, oral) — 1.0 g/kg body weight. Considering the actual content of these substances in molasses (sugars 60–65%, potassium about 1.5%, magnesium 0.25%, calcium 0.2%), the aggregate toxicity of the product is assessed as extremely low: the calculated LD₅₀ exceeds 20 g/kg body weight (oral).

Thus, Blackstrap Molasses belongs to the category of food products with very low acute toxicity and can be considered safe for oral use at recommended dosages. Side effects are mainly related to overdose (osmotic diarrhea, hyperkalemia in patients with renal failure), not to true toxic action.

Synergy — Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses is a concentrate of sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds, and mineral elements (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese). At the level of food biochemistry, its components demonstrate pronounced synergistic activity. Iron in combination with organic acids and natural sugars exhibits an additive and potentiating effect, providing higher bioavailability compared to inorganic salts. Calcium and magnesium have protective and modulating interaction, as they jointly regulate neuromuscular excitability and mineralization processes, and the presence of potassium enhances their tissue-specific action on the cardiovascular system. Mineral components (especially iron and magnesium) complement the antioxidant activity of the phenolic compounds in molasses, creating a systemic protective effect at the level of cellular metabolism. An important factor is the presence of B vitamins, which functionally modulate iron activity in erythropoiesis and improve energy metabolism, which is considered as multi-system synergy.

The synergy of molasses with other taxa and nutraceutical agents is also confirmed by research. In combination with sources of ascorbic acid (e.g., fruits of the genus Citrus), potentiation of iron absorption is noted due to the reduction of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺. Joint use with plants rich in flavonoids (Camellia sinensis, Vitis vinifera) demonstrates an additive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect at the cellular level. In combination with sources of organic calcium and vitamin D (e.g., products of the genus Lithothamnion or fish oil), the mineralizing effect on bone tissue is enhanced, confirming the functional complementarity of the components. Potassium contained in molasses exhibits synergy with magnesium-containing agents, potentiating cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic effects through co-modulation of ion channels. Thus, the biochemical matrix of molasses is a unique example of natural multi-component synergism, manifested at both systemic and cellular levels.

References:Ashraf A. et al., Journal of Food Biochemistry, 2020; Nwachukwu I. et al., Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 2018; USDA Phytochemical Database; PubChem, Iron and Molasses entries; WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, 2013.

Pharmacodynamics of Blackstrap Molasses

The pharmacodynamic properties of blackstrap molasses are determined by its mineral and organic composition. The iron in molasses participates in the biosynthesis of hemoglobin and the functioning of cytochrome enzymes, providing systemic hematopoietic and trophic action. Calcium and magnesium act as modulators of neuromuscular transmission and bone mineralization; their joint presence ensures a tissue-specific effect on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Potassium exerts its influence on the cardiovascular system by regulating membrane potential and activating Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, reflecting the cardioprotective mechanism of action.

Phenolic compounds in molasses exhibit antioxidant activity through direct binding of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. They exert systemic anti-inflammatory and membrane-protective effects. B vitamins in molasses enhance cellular energy metabolism, participate in enzymatic systems, and modulate nervous regulation. The combined action of sugars and organic acids provides a mild osmotic effect at the level of the gastrointestinal tract, manifested in the normalization of intestinal motility.

Thus, the pharmacodynamics of blackstrap molasses is multicomponent: systemic antioxidant action, tissue-specific mineralization, modulation of cardiovascular and nervous functions, support of energy metabolism, and a mild regulatory effect on the digestive system.

References: Kitts D.D., Hu C., Food Chemistry and Toxicology, 2005; Chan W. et al., Food Research International, 2019; USDA Nutrient Database; PubChem (Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Molasses profiles); WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, 2013.

Pharmacokinetics of Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses, upon oral administration, undergoes rapid absorption in the small intestine. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose) are absorbed via sodium-dependent and facilitated transporters of enterocytes. Mineral components have varying degrees of absorption: iron is absorbed primarily in the proximal part of the small intestine with the participation of transport proteins and reductases, and its bioavailability is increased due to the presence of organic acids. Calcium and magnesium are absorbed by both passive diffusion and active transport; the degree of absorption depends on the state of the microbiota and the pH of the intestinal contents. Potassium is absorbed almost completely and is distributed mainly intracellularly, maintaining electrolyte balance.

The distribution of mineral components is tissue-specific: iron binds to plasma transport proteins and is deposited in the liver and bone marrow; calcium and magnesium are localized in bone tissue and also participate in the regulation of neuromuscular transmission; potassium is concentrated in the myocardium and smooth muscle. Phenolic compounds, after absorption, undergo phase II metabolism in the liver (glucuronidation, sulfation), circulate in plasma mainly in conjugated form, and are excreted by the kidneys and with bile.

Sugar metabolism occurs via the glycolytic pathway and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The main part of sugars is converted into liver and muscle glycogen; part is used for cellular energy needs. Excess intake can be processed into lipids. Minerals are excreted primarily by the kidneys (potassium, magnesium), partially with bile (iron, calcium), and through the intestines if not absorbed.

Thus, the pharmacokinetics of blackstrap molasses is characterized by rapid absorption, systemic distribution to target organs, hepatic metabolism of phenolic compounds, and predominant renal and biliary excretion.

References: Hallberg L. et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1997; Cashman K.D., Advances in Nutrition, 2018; Manach C. et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005; PubChem: Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium compounds.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale: Blackstrap Molasses

Liver and Gastrointestinal Tract. Mineral components and phenolic compounds of molasses possess lipotropic and membrane-stabilizing action. Iron participates in the activation of liver cytochrome system enzymes; calcium and magnesium regulate the work of digestive juice enzymes. Phenolic compounds inhibit lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. The influence on NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades is accompanied by a reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the intestinal mucosa.
Reference: Manach C. et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005.

Immune System. Phenolic components of molasses exert an additive immunomodulatory effect, reducing the activation of macrophages and neutrophils by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins and leukotrienes mediated by COX and LOX pathways. Magnesium regulates T-lymphocyte functions and reduces excessive inflammatory response. Potassium participates in the regulation of cellular polarization and intracellular JAK/STAT signaling cascades.
Reference: Maggini S. et al., Nutrients, 2018.

Nervous System. Magnesium and B vitamins in molasses exhibit a modulating effect on nerve impulse transmission, regulate NMDA receptor function, and reduce excessive neuronal excitation. Potassium maintains action potential and axon conductivity. The combined action manifests at the cellular level through membrane stabilization and normalization of sodium-potassium channel function.
Reference: Barbagallo M. et al., Hypertension, 2009.

Endocrine and Metabolic Regulation. Iron, calcium, and magnesium are involved in regulating enzymes of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Molasses sugars are rapidly absorbed and activate incretin secretion, which modulates pancreatic β-cell function. Phenolic compounds possess antioxidant and modulating action on the MAPK cascade, reducing stress-associated metabolic disorders. Potassium regulates renin and angiotensin secretion, indirectly affecting the endocrine regulation of pressure.
Reference: Cashman K.D., Advances in Nutrition, 2018.