A new supplement can safely replenish iron

Anemia occurs when the body lacks red blood cells, oxygen—carrying cells. In iron deficiency anemia, the main cause is a lack of iron in the diet or its poor absorption.

Conventional drugs contain large amounts of indigestible iron, which remains in the intestine and can cause irritation. To mitigate the effect, probiotics are often added to them — friendly bacteria that protect the mucous membrane and restore the microflora.

Researchers led by Punem Sagar and Nitin Kumar Singhal have invented an improved version — a triple supplement consisting of:

• the iron-containing complex,
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteria,
• and dietary fiber from millet, which acts as a prebiotic — food for beneficial microorganisms.

This combination proved to be more effective than the usual forms of iron, and at the same time safe for the gastrointestinal tract.

In experiments on mice with iron deficiency anemia, the new supplement completely restored hemoglobin levels in just two weeks. The tests showed:

• iron was absorbed as efficiently as in healthy animals.,
• There was no inflammation in the intestine,
• and the composition of the microbiota has returned to normal.

In addition, activation of genes related to iron transport was noted — that is, the body began to process and distribute the trace element naturally again.

“Our discovery offers a biomaterial approach to iron delivery that not only replenishes stores, but also preserves intestinal health,” says study author Punem Sagar.