Glycoprotein Matrix-Bound Iron Improves Iron Absorption

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.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants had to have a normal body weight [body mass index (BMI) of 19-24.99 kg/m2] and engage in recreational physical activity, as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines.
• Participants must be healthy and have no diagnosed chronic disease conditions

Exclusion criteria

• Participants were not allowed to consume any nutritional supplements known to affect the measures of the current study for at least 6 weeks prior to participation, including pro-, post- and prebiotics, as well as digestive enzymes.
• Individuals who were currently being treated for or diagnosed with a gastrointestinal, cardiac, respiratory, circulatory, musculoskeletal, metabolic, immune, autoimmune, psychiatric, hematological, neurological, or endocrinological disorder.
• Participants whose body mass had deviated by more than 2% in the previous 30 days
• Participants who were unwilling to abstain from alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine for 12 hours prior to each visit.