Iron- and protein rich diets may boost hemoglobin levels among informal electronic waste recyclers exposed to metals at Agbogbloshie, Ghana

•Prevalence of anemia was higher among the e-waste recyclers, compared to the reference population.•Blood Pb, Cd, Rb, Eu and Tb were associated with significant decreases in Hb levels of e-waste recyclers.•Consumption of Fe-rich diets appears to ameliorate anemia and improved Hb levels.