New Iron Supplement Combines Probiotics and Prebiotics to Reduce Gut Side Effects

Researchers have developed a new oral iron supplement that aims to address iron-deficiency anemia while minimizing the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with traditional treatments. The formulation, described in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, combines three components—iron, prebiotics, and probiotics—into a single capsule. In preclinical testing, it restored normal iron levels in anemic mice without disrupting gut health or triggering inflammation.

Iron-deficiency anemia is a widespread condition marked by fatigue, headaches, and other symptoms related to insufficient oxygen delivery by red blood cells. Though oral iron supplements are widely used to treat the condition, much of the iron in standard formulations is not absorbed and remains in the gastrointestinal tract, where it can cause irritation, inflammation, and microbial imbalance. For this reason, iron supplements are sometimes co-prescribed with probiotics to help support a healthier gut environment.

Building on previous efforts to pair iron with probiotics, the research team led by Poonam Sagar and Nitin Kumar Singhal developed a three-part supplement by adding prebiotics—dietary components that support the growth of beneficial bacteria. The formulation includes iron bound in a biocompatible complex, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and dietary fiber from millet serving as the prebiotic component.

In cell culture and animal models, the supplement demonstrated biocompatibility and efficacy. Mice with iron-deficiency anemia who received the supplement for two weeks showed restored hemoglobin levels, suggesting improved iron uptake and red blood cell function. Iron excretion levels were comparable to those of healthy controls, further supporting effective absorption. Gene expression analysis indicated normalization of iron transport processes.

Importantly, the treatment did not provoke an inflammatory response in the colon and was associated with a restoration of beneficial gut bacteria populations. These findings suggest the supplement may offer a more balanced approach to managing iron deficiency by addressing both systemic iron levels and gut health.

Further studies will be necessary to determine whether these results translate to human populations, but the initial findings point to the potential for an integrated therapy that addresses both efficacy and tolerability in iron supplementation.