Shafaqna English- Researchers have developed a novel iron supplement that combines iron with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to treat anemia without the common side effects of gut inflammation and microbiome damage.
Traditional iron supplements are notorious for poor absorption, leaving excess iron in the digestive tract that causes discomfort and disrupts healthy gut bacteria. This new formulation, created by scientists in India, integrates an iron complex with the probiotic lactobacillus rhamnoses and a prebiotic fiber from millet.
In a study on anaemic mice, the “three-in-one” supplement successfully restored healthy haemoglobin and iron levels. Crucially, it also prevented the inflammation typically caused by conventional iron and helped restore a balanced gut microbiome.
The researchers describe this biomaterial-based approach as “transformative.” While further studies are needed, it represents a significant step toward effective, gut-friendly treatments for iron-deficiency anaemia, a widespread global health issue. The study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of India and the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute.
Source: American Chemical Society