Nanoemulsion-Based Approaches for Anaemia Management: A Comprehensive Review

Anaemia remains one of the most widespread and persistent global health challenges, affecting a wide range of age groups across developed and developing countries. Iron deficiency continues to be the predominant cause, but genetic disorders, chronic infections, inflammatory conditions, and micronutrient deficiencies contribute significantly to the overall burden. Conventional therapies such as oral iron salts, folic acid tablets, and vitamin B12 injections often fail to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes because of low bioavailability, gastrointestinal irritation, poor patient compliance, and erratic absorption. The emergence of nanoemulsion technology has opened new avenues in the delivery of hematinic agents. Nanoemulsions are submicron colloidal carriers with droplet sizes generally ranging from 20–200 nm, capable of encapsulating both lipophilic and hydrophilic bioactive compounds. Their superior solubilization efficiency, high surface area, physical stability, and ability to enhance permeation make them suitable delivery systems for iron, vitamins, botanical extracts, and synthetic anti-anaemic drugs. The present manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of nanoemulsion strategies for anaemia management, including formulation considerations, mechanisms of absorption enhancement, therapeutic applications, evaluation parameters, limitations, and future prospects. This manuscript also highlights recent advances in nano-nutraceuticals, targeted delivery systems, and synergistic combination nanoemulsions for improving hematopoietic function.