Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of fatigue worldwide, but traditional supplements often come with a downside: upset stomach, inflammation or changes in gut bacteria.
Researchers in India have now developed a new kind of supplement that may ease those problems. Reported in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, the formula combines iron with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to restore healthy iron levels while supporting the gut.
The team used beneficial Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteria and fiber from millet, a grain that feeds gut microbes. Together with iron, these ingredients formed a single supplement tested in mice with iron-deficiency anemia. After two weeks, the treated mice regained normal iron levels and healthy gut bacteria without signs of inflammation.
“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,” said study author Poonam Sagar.
Though the work is still in early stages, the results suggest a promising step toward iron supplements that help the body absorb more and irritate the gut less.
This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of India and the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute.