Iron Supplementation Influence on the Gut Microbiota and Probiotic Intake Effect in Iron Deficiency-A Literature-Based Review.

Ioana Gabriela Rusu,Romana Vulturar,Ioana Moroșan,Oana Lelia Pop,Magdalena Istrati,Dan Cristian Vodnar,Ramona Suharoschi,Carmen Rodica Pop,Anca Corina Fărcaș,Andreea Diana Kerezsi,Sonia Ancuța Socaci,Carmen Ioana Mureșan

doi:10.3390/nu12071993

Abstract

Iron deficiency in the human body is a global issue with an impact on more than two billion individuals worldwide. The most important functions ensured by adequate amounts of iron in the body are related to transport and storage of oxygen, electron transfer, mediation of oxidation-reduction reactions, synthesis of hormones, the replication of DNA, cell cycle restoration and control, fixation of nitrogen, and antioxidant effects. In the case of iron deficiency, even marginal insufficiencies may impair the proper functionality of the human body. On the other hand, an excess in iron concentration has a major impact on the gut microbiota composition. There are several non-genetic causes that lead to iron deficiencies, and thus, several approaches in their treatment. The most common methods are related to food fortifications and supplements. In this review, following a summary of iron metabolism and its health implications, we analyzed the scientific literature for the influence of iron fortification and supplementation on the gut microbiome and the effect of probiotics, prebiotics, and/or synbiotics in iron absorption and availability for the organism.

Highlights

Iron deficiency is a prevalent problem affecting over two billion individuals around the globe.The main causes of this insufficiency are the lack of iron-rich foods in the diet or the body’s inability to absorb ingested iron owing to acquired or genetic causes
E. coli Nissle probiotic activity hangs on the iron acquisition, given that mutants lacking in iron uptake colonize the intestine, but do not reduce S. typhimurium counts in the feces
The results showed that iron is not toxic for the probiotic cells, and did not affect the bacteria’s viability, which means that it is efficient in both iron delivery and bacterial stabilization

Summary

Introduction

Iron deficiency is a prevalent problem affecting over two billion individuals around the globe. The most significant concern is not the source of the iron, but the type of iron obtained and its absorption pathways [3,4,5]. Foods such as vegetables, meats, and meat products are proven to be an excellent source of iron, and the fermented version of these products improves dietary iron absorption. We analyze the scientific literature concerning the influence of iron fortification and supplementation on the gut microbiome and the effect of probiotics, prebiotics, and/or synbiotics in iron absorption and availability for the organism

Iron Metabolism

Gut Microbiota and Iron Deficiency

Iron Absorption from Supplements and from Foods

Probiotics and Iron Deficiency Treatment

Prebiotics and Synbiotics in Iron Deficiency Treatment

Conclusions