In-Vivo Nutritional and Toxicological Evaluation of Nano Iron Fortified Biscuits as Food Supplement for Iron Deficient Anemia

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global nutritional metabolic disorder affecting majority of healthy people rather than those suffering from chronic diseases. The main reason for IDA is not the existence quantity of iron in food but its bioavailability form. The present work represents new modality to increase the intestinal absorptivity of iron through biosynthesis of biocompatible iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4) capped with vitamin C. Intestinal villi will absorb the nano particles as Vitamin C not as iron because Iron particles are coated with Vitamin C in order to overcome the limited absorptivity of iron in gut. Biocompatible magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) of size range 20 ± 5 nm were synthesized and characterized by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Iron Deficient anemic rats were treated with an iron free basal diet for long period and hematological indices were tested for establishing the anemic state. Three levels Nano Iron Fortified Biscuits (10 ppm, 30 ppm and 60 ppm iron) were prepared and one level of Ferric Chloride (FeCl3) fortified biscuits, 10 ppm, in addition to untreated control group nourished iron free basal diet. Results reveals that, the nano iron form promoted the growth rate and increased the nutritional quality of protein and enhance the erythropoiesis process where Hemoglobin concentration increased from 9.9 ± 1.2 g/dl to be 14.6 ± 1.1 g/dl, 16.7 ± 1.6 g/dl and 18.2 ± 2.1 g/dl For the tree levels of 10 ppm, 30 ppm and 60 ppm, respectively. While for RBCs count increased to be 6.7 ± 1.4 x 106/mm3, 7.3 ± 1.6 x 106/mm3 and 7.8 ± 1.8 x 106/mm3, respectively. Toxicological evaluation show no apparent toxicological sings with no mortality. Based on the Histopathological and biochemical examinations The present work recommend the use of 10 ppm Nano iron fortified biscuits for mild iron deficiency anemia and the 30 ppm level for more sever one to manage and control Iron deficient anemia and extra toxicological testing are still required.