Researchers have developed a new iron supplement that pairs iron with prebiotics and probiotics to improve absorption and reduce side effects.
Iron-deficiency anemia is a widespread condition that often leads to fatigue, headaches, and even unusual cravings like chewing ice.
Traditional oral iron supplements are commonly used to address the problem, but they often leave behind unabsorbed iron, which can trigger inflammation and stomach discomfort.
Researchers have now developed a new supplement, detailed in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, that combines iron with prebiotics and probiotics.
In tests with anemic mice, this innovative formula restored healthy iron levels in the blood without causing inflammation or disturbing the natural balance of gut microbes.
“By advancing biomaterial-based iron delivery, this research offers a transformative approach to address anemia, directly contributing to improved nutrition and long-term public health,” explains Poonam Sagar, an author of the study.
Anemia develops when the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. The condition can result from infections, inherited disorders, or nutritional deficiencies, most often due to insufficient dietary iron.
Standard treatment usually involves iron tablets, but the body absorbs only a small fraction of the iron they contain. The remaining iron can upset the gut microbiome, leading to irritation and inflammation. To counter this, doctors sometimes pair iron supplements with probiotics that support the growth of beneficial bacteria.
