Abstract
Objective: The objective of this research was to formulate and evaluate iron oxide nanoparticles for treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA).Methods: Iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation method and stabilized by coating with folic acid or chitosan. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized in vitro for morphology, particle size, zeta potential, crystallinity and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption. In vivo studies were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the prepared nanoparticles in treating iron-deficient anemic rats compared to the commercial iron product.Results: In vitro results revealed that particle sizes were 65.95±5 nm, 220.2±12 nm and 295.3±19 nm for uncoated iron oxide nanoparticles, folic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles and chitosan coated iron oxide nanoparticles, respectively. UV-Vis absorption spectrum and x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that the prepared nanoparticles were iron oxide nanoparticles. In vivo results indicated that folic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles showed effective restorative action, returning haemoglobin (Hb) concentration to normal levels, where not only complete recovery of Hb within short time from the anemic state to the high normal level, but also improved Hb concentrations compared to the commercial iron product.Conclusion: The results obtained in this research work clearly indicated a promising potential of folic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for the effective treatment of IDA.
Highlights
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder in which the capacity of blood to deliver oxygen to body cells and tissues is reduced [1,2,3]
Morphology of iron oxide nanoparticles transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of the uncoated iron oxide nanoparticles showed spherically shaped particles with average diameter of 8.33±1.64 nm which is in good agreement with previous research [16]
The observed aggregations of the coated iron oxide nanoparticles might be due to the incomplete coating of individual particles by folic acid or chitosan [20]
Summary
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder in which the capacity of blood to deliver oxygen to body cells and tissues is reduced [1,2,3]. The diagnosis of IDA is confirmed by the findings of low iron stores and Hb level below normal. In women of childbearing age, loss of iron in the blood due to heavy menstruation, pregnancy, inadequate iron intake and decreased iron absorption are the most common causes of IDA [4]. Treatment of IDA with iron supplements may be limited as they are associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, nausea, abdominal discomfort and dark colored stool. Delayed-release and enteric-coated iron supplements have been developed to increase patient compliance as they cause fewer side effects; they are not as well absorbed as the non-enteric coated preparations [7]
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