Khaberni - Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition characterized by fatigue, headache, and a strong desire to consume ice, but oral iron supplements used to treat it can leave behind excess iron, causing inflammation and stomach disturbances.
To avoid this side effect, researchers at the University of Punjab developed a tripartite iron supplement, consisting of iron, probiotics (or friendly bacteria), and prebiotics, which is food for these bacteria.
The researchers collected dietary fibers from millet (a type of grain), the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and an iron-containing compound to form the supplement.
Testing the new supplement
According to "Medical Xpress", after two weeks, the mice that consumed this dietary supplement showed the following:
• Restoration of hemoglobin levels (the iron-containing molecule in red blood cells).
• Secretion of amounts of iron similar to those in a control group of mice not suffering from anemia, showing successful absorption of iron by the body.
• Increased regulation of genes associated with the transport of iron across red blood cells.
• Mild inflammatory response in the colon.
• Restoration of beneficial gut bacterial counts compared to those in mice with anemia.
Poonam Sagar, who led the study, said: "By developing iron delivery using biomaterials, this research provides a transformative approach to addressing anemia, directly contributing to improved nutrition and overall health in the long term."
