A double-blind, randomized crossover study was conducted that evaluated absorption kinetics of 3 forms of dietary supplement iron by measuring iron levels in the blood after acute ingestion.
Background: The biotransformation of minerals through glycosylation by microorganisms, such as yeast or probiotics, can produce nutrients bound to a food matrix, potentially enhancing their bioavailability. This study aimed to compare the absorption kinetics of iron bound to a glycoprotein matrix (GPM) with those of ferrous bisglycinate chelate (FBC) and ferrous fumarate (FF). Methods: In a double-blind, crossover design, 17 participants ingested 11 mg of iron in one of three forms: GPM (Pharmachem Innovation, Kearny, NJ, USA), FBC (Ferrochel®, Balchem Corp., Montvale, NJ, USA), or FF (FerroPharma Chemicals Ltd, Hungary). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 30-, 60-, 90-, 120-, 180-, 240-, 300-, 360-, 420-, and 480-minutes post-ingestion. Water intake was standardized throughout the protocol, and an iron-free snack was provided at 4 hours post-ingestion. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed, with key outcome variables including the area under the concentration vs. time curve (iAUC), maximum concentration (Cmax), and time to maximum concentration (Tmax). The a priori significance level was set at p \< 0.05.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
17
This study aimed to compare the absorption kinetics of iron bound to a glycoprotein matrix (GPM) with those of ferrous bisglycinate chelate (FBC) and ferrous fumarate (FF).
Human Performance Lab
Belton, Texas, United States
plasma iron levels
Blood levels were assessed to determine if absorption rates were different between the 3 arms (forms of iron). Blood samples were taken at 30-, 60-, 90-, 120-, 180-, 240-, 300-, 360-, 420-, and 480-minutes post-ingestion.
Time frame: 8 hour absorption period.
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