The objective of this study was to compare the absorption of a new iron product, iron enriched Aspergillus oryzae to ferrous sulfate in humans using a double stable-isotope technique.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a health crisis worldwide, especially among productive age women and children. Primarily, inorganic iron salts are being used as iron supplementation to treat IDA and are added to food to improve the nutritional value of the daily diet, however side effects and/or low absorption with diets are a result, limiting the impact on IDA. Sixteen female subject, who were 18-35 years, non-pregnancy, non-anemia with marginal lower iron status (ferritin cut-off value <30ug/L) were recruited in this study. Subjects were randomized to orally consume test meal with stable iron isotopes Fe57 (10mg) in sulfate form and Fe58 (2mg) and 8 mg natural abundance iron in Aspiron, in two visits. Blood samples were collected at baseline and two weeks to assess isotope enrichment and iron status indicators, such as hepcidin and ferritin were measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Marginal iron status (Serum ferritin <30ug/L)
• BMI in the range 18.5-24.9 kg/m2
• Willing to discontinue vitamin and mineral supplements 2 weeks prior and during the study
• Willing to consume stable iron isotope labelled supplement
• Willing to stop getting blood drawn 2 weeks prior to the study and during the study
• Willing to give multiple blood samples at beginning and end of study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant
• Lactating
• Smoker
• Anemic (hemoglobin < 120 g/L)
• Has gastro-intestinal disease/condition that can affect absorption
• Allergic to any of the meal components

Publication in a journal

When 57Fe was added to a meal an empy capsule was consumed by the subjects. 58Fe and natutal abundace iron associated with A. oryzae was consumed in capsule form.