High Absorption Rate Research Articles

Solar thermal applications of graphene-based block-ring resonator solar absorber using TiC–W materials

Solar absorbers enable the use of solar energy, a renewable and plentiful resource, minimizing reliance on finite fossil fuels and contributing to sustainable energy practices. The solar absorber that is studied here has an average absorptance of 96.85 % with a simple design and inexpensive materials. This design has two layers of resonator and active layer Block Ring Base Solar Absorber (BRBSA) structure. This study employs tungsten (W) as a resonator and titanium carbide (TiC) as a dielectric layer. The absorption spans from 100 to 3200 nm, with an average absorption exceeding 94 % across the entire structure. Notably, over 97 % of absorption occurs within the range of 210–710 nm, and the highest absorption, reaching 99.9 %, is observed in the wavelength range of 1510–1650 nm. The structure demonstrates high absorption rates across various regions, including 95.85 % in the UV region, 97.89 % in the visible, 95.73 % in the near-infrared, 95.87 % in the mid-infrared, and 89.56 % in the far-infrared region. After analyzing various potential variations of the proposed structure, an optimal design was identified. The parametric study was conducted to determine the optimal physical properties. Additionally, the electric field intensity analysis confirmed the proposed structure's broadband and constant absorption response. This Block Ring Base Solar Absorber has various uses, including solar drying systems, cookers, vaporizers, and warmers.

CO2 absorption using aqueous potassium carbonate (K2CO3) promoted by piperazine (PZ) in packed column reactor

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main contributor in gases that can reduce the heating value and the greenhouse effect on the atmosphere. Several CO2 absorption technologies can be used to reduce CO2 content. Chemical absorption have selectivity and a high absorption rate. This research will study the effect of the addition piperazine (PZ) into 30wt % potassium carbonate (K2CO3) at 30 °C, 40 °C and 50 °C, PZ (1, 3 and 5) % and absorbent flow rate (1, 1.5 and 2) L min−1. The research was conducted in packed column made of stainless steel with height 150 cm and a diameter 9.6 cm filled with packing-type raschig rings made of ceramic arranged randomly to expand the contact between gas and absorbent during CO2 absorption. The process is carried in counter-current, gas streamed at constant flow rate 50 L min−1 from the bottom and absorbent with composition K2CO3, PZ and distilled water streamed from top of column. CO2 loading and CO2 removal in the sample were determined by acid-base titration. The results showed 5% PZ CO2 loading 0.0664 mole CO2/mole K2CO3 and CO2 removal 92.7575% at operating conditions 50 °C and absorbent flow rate 2 L min−1. The addition 5% PZ can increase CO2 removal 16.9525%.

Effect of surgical modification of deep brain stimulation lead trajectories on radiofrequency heating during MRI at 3T: from phantom experiments to clinical implementation.

Radiofrequency (RF) tissue heating around deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads is a well-known safety risk during MRI, resulting in strict imaging guidelines and limited allowable protocols. The implanted lead's trajectory and orientation with respect to the MRI electric fields contribute to variations in the magnitude of RF heating across patients. Currently, there are no surgical requirements for implanting the extracranial portion of the DBS lead, resulting in substantial variations in clinical lead trajectories and consequently RF heating. Recent studies have shown that incorporating concentric loops in the extracranial lead trajectory can reduce RF heating. However, optimal positioning of the loops and the quantitative benefit of trajectory modification in terms of added safety margins during MRI remain unknown. In this study, the authors systematically evaluated the characteristics of DBS lead trajectories that minimize RF heating during 3T MRI to develop the best surgical practices for safe access to postoperative MRI, and they present the first surgical implementation of these modified trajectories. The authors performed experiments to assess the maximum temperature increase of 244 distinct lead trajectories. They investigated the effect of the position, number, and size of the concentric loops on the skull. Experiments were performed in an anthropomorphic phantom implanted with a commercial DBS system, and RF exposure was generated by applying a high specific absorption rate sequence (B1+rms = 2.7 µT). The authors conducted test-retest experiments to assess the reliability of measurements. Additionally, they evaluated the effect of imaging landmarks and perturbations to the DBS device configuration on the efficacy of low-heating trajectories. Finally, two neurosurgeons implanted the recommended modified trajectories in patients, and the authors characterized their RF heating in comparison with unmodified trajectories. The maximum temperature increase ranged from 0.09°C to 7.34°C. The authors found that increasing the number of loops and positioning them closer to the surgical burr hole, particularly for the contralateral lead, substantially reduced RF heating. These trajectory modifications were easily incorporated during the surgical procedure and resulted in a threefold reduction in RF heating. Surgically modifying the extracranial portion of the DBS lead trajectory can substantially reduce RF heating during 3T MRI. The authors' results indicate that simple adjustments to the lead's configuration, such as small, concentric loops near the burr hole, can be readily adopted during DBS lead implantation to improve patient safety during MRI.

A novel approach for preparing aldehyde-free melamine resin and investigation of its retanning performance

Melamine resin (MR), traditionally synthesized using melamine and formaldehyde, is widely used in the leather industry. However, the emission of free formaldehyde poses a significant challenge for conventional MR. To address the issues of aldehyde in MR, extensive research has been conducted. This paper introduces a novel aldehyde-free MR (LTSL) retanning agent synthesized using cyanuric chloride, l-lysine, and sodium sulfanilate. The chemical structure of LTSL was analyzed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The presence of amino, carboxyl, and sulfonic acid groups in LTSL enhanced its storability and imparted LTSL with an amphoteric character. The isoelectric point of LTSL was optimized to reach 4.37, and LTSL exhibited an appropriate size distribution with an average particle size of 254.17 nm and achieved high absorption rates of 87.77% and 95.84% for retanning and fatliquoring agents, respectively. Consequently, the thickness rate of LTSL reached up to 37%, with no detectable formaldehyde. Notably, LTSL also demonstrated excellent physical and mechanical properties, primarily attributed to the coordination and electrostatic interactions between the chrome-tanned collagen fiber and amino/carboxyl groups in LTSL. This research presents an innovative approach for developing an aldehyde-free MR retanning agent, significantly contributing to the sustainable development of leather manufacturing.Graphical

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized by biocompatible ligands with enhanced high specific absorption rate for magnetic hyperthermia

This study introduces a novel green nanocomposite system of iron oxide coated with secondary metabolites (Fe3O4@SM) and compares it with commonly used materials for hyperthermia cancer treatment. Fe3O4@SM magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized through a simple co-precipitation process using metal precursors, followed by heating in pressure reactor to obtain superparamagnetic nanoparticles (Hc = 36.5–54.1 Oe at 300 K). These nanoparticles were subsequently coated with plant-based phytochemicals. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles. SEM images further confirmed the spherical shape of the synthesized nanoparticles, exhibiting a face-centered cubic (FCC) iron oxide structure with sizes ranging from 12±7–85±15 nm. Characterization through dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential (ζ) analysis demonstrated colloidal stability, with a polydispersity index (PDI) ranging from 0.226 to 0.436 and zeta potential values ranging from −29.761–1.85 mV. The surface of the nanoparticles was analyzed using GC-MS, which identified bioactive functional groups including ester (42.79 %), terpene (20.69 %), hydrocarbons (17.4 %), and carboxylic (12.37 %) compounds. Compared to Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@GO, Fe3O4@SM exhibited a higher rate of temperature increase within the therapeutic range, reaching Tmax = 45°C with a heating rate (dT/dt) of 0.273 °C/s and specific absorption rate (SAR) of 230.6 W/g at 304 kHz and 400 Oe. In vitro assays utilizing a triple negative breast cancer microenvironment confirmed the non-toxicity of these materials through a DNS assay. The developed nanoparticles offer dual mechanisms of action, combining thermal and chemo effects, making them promising candidates for hyperthermia cancer treatment.

Evaluation of the nutritional potential of peach palm flour and its application in crunchy snacks

The pupunheira (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) is a palm tree native to the Amazon rainforest, and its fruits have high nutritional quality and are highly appreciated by the population where the fruits occur. One of the ways of processing this raw material is the production of flour, which expands the possibilities of industrial application. Therefore, the objective of this study was to produce peach palm fruit flour, evaluate its physical-chemical, properties technological, antioxidant activity, and carotenoid content, elaborate snack-type biscuit formulations with different concentrations of peach palm flour in substitution for corn flakes, and evaluate the physical-chemical characteristics and carotenoid content of the biscuits. Peach palm flour had low moisture content (6.15%), protein (4.82%), and fiber (5.07%); however, it had a considerable carbohydrate content (77.62%), energy value (386,84 kcal), and carotenoids. The technological properties showed a high rate of water and oil absorption and emulsifying activity; however, it did not show foaming capacity or gel formation. The replacement of corn flakes by peach palm flour showed an increase in fiber, ash, lipids, and carotenoids and intensified the orange color of the cookies.

Composite porous 3D foam for solar-driven atmospheric water harvesting in low humidity natural environment

Solar-driven atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH) has been recognized as a promising strategy to alleviate the freshwater crisis. Herein, we developed an efficient porous polymeric foam, LiCl@CCP-PPy, which has low preparation cost, strong adaptability and portability, and is very suitable for use as a wicking material in SAWH systems. LiCl@CCP-PPy contains abundant –NH2 and –OH groups. These hydrophilic groups and excellent pore structure (porosity is 80.22 %) make it have a good moisture absorption effect even in low humidity environment. The moisture absorption capacity can reach 2.86 g/g at 35 % RH and 25 °C, and 4.48 g/g at 25 °C and 90 % RH. The saturated water absorption effect was 27.48 g/g. LiCl@CCP-PPy can be scaled up for production. In addition, LiCl@CCP-PPy has a high light absorption rate of more than 90 %, and the strong photothermal conversion ability of Polypyrene (PPy) enables the material to warm up rapidly under natural light, thereby accelerating the desorption process (96 % desorption rate at 1 kW/m2 for 3 h). Based on the above properties, LiCl@CCP-PPy was applied to the Tengger desert in northwest China. The final water production efficiency was 0.64 L/m2/d, and the collected water quality met the international drinking water standard.

Preparation and Properties of Attapulgite/Brucite Fiber-Based Highly Absorbent Polymer Composite.

The ATP-BF-P(HEC-AA-AMPS) composite highly absorbent polymer was copolymerized with acrylic acid (AA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) using an aqueous solution method with attapulgite (ATP) and attapulgite (ATP) as a matrix. The prepared ATP-BF-P(HEC-AA-AMPS) was characterized in terms of microstructure and tested for its water absorption capacity, water retention properties, and pH dynamic sensing ability. The results showed that the synthesized ATP-BF-P(HEC-AA-AMPS) had a rough and porous surface and a high water absorption capacity and rate, almost reaching the maximum water absorption around 20 min, and demonstrated excellent water retention performance at low and medium temperatures. ATP-BF-P(HEC-AA-AMPS) has a sensitive dynamic sensing ability in different pH solutions, with a high swelling capacity between pH 6.0 and 10.0. When the pH value exceeded 10.0, the swelling rate decreased rapidly. Additionally, the thermal stability and mechanical strength of the highly absorbent polymers were significantly improved after blending with ATP and BF.

The study of double-network carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate based cryogels for rapid hemostasis in noncompressible hemorrhage

Developing an injectable hemostatic dressing with shape recovery and high blood absorption ratio for rapid hemostasis in noncompressible hemorrhage maintains a critical clinical challenge. Here, double-network cryogels based on carboxymethyl chitosan, sodium alginate, and methacrylated sodium alginate were prepared by covalent crosslinking and physical crosslinking, and named carboxymethyl chitosan/methacrylated sodium alginate (CM) cryogels. Covalent crosslinking was achieved by methacrylated sodium alginate in the freeze casting process, while physical crosslinking was realized by electrostatic interaction between the amino group of carboxymethyl chitosan and the carboxyl group of sodium alginate. CM cryogels exhibited large water swelling ratios (8167 ± 1062 %), fast blood absorption speed (2974 ± 669 % in 15 s), excellent compressive strength (over 160 kPa for CM100) and shape recovery performance. Compared with gauze and commercial gelatin sponge, better hemostatic capacities were demonstrated for CM cryogel with the minimum blood loss of 40.0 ± 8.9 mg and the lowest hemostasis time of 5.0 ± 2.0 s at hemostasis of rat liver. Made of natural polysaccharides with biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility, the CM cryogels exhibit shape recovery and high blood absorption rate, making them promising to be used as an injectable hemostatic dressing for rapid hemostasis in noncompressible hemorrhage.

Synergistic magnetic/dielectric loss and layered structural design of Ni@carbon fiber/Ag@graphene fiber/polydimethylsiloxane composite for high-absorption EMI shielding

Simultaneously achieving excellent shielding effectiveness (SE) and high absorption rate of flexible electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials has become a growing demand for the new generation of highly integrated electronic devices. This study constructed a double-layer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) EMI shielding composite film, with the upper layer using Ni-plated carbon fiber (Ni@CF) as the high absorption loss part and the lower layer using Ag-plated graphene fiber (Ag@GF) as the reflection attenuation part. Due to the synergistic magnetic/dielectric loss effect in the upper layer, high electrical conductivity in the lower layer, and the shielding mechanism of “absorption-reflection-reabsorption” induced by the double-layer structure, this composite film achieves efficient EMI shielding performance and high absorption characteristics in the X-band. The EMI SE values of the 2 mm thick film containing 0.03 wt% Ni@CF and 1.2 wt% Ag@GF reach 33.7 dB, while shielding effectiveness of reflection (SER) and absorption (SEA) is 0.8 dB and 32.9 dB, respectively. This result means that the composite film only reflects 17.2 % of the microwaves while shielding 99.9 % and absorbs nearly 82.7 %, exhibiting a significant absorption-dominated shielding mechanism. This flexible and efficient shielding film with a high absorption rate suits portable and wearable intelligent electronic products to reduce secondary electromagnetic pollution.

Selenized non-Saccharomyces yeasts and their potential use in fish feed.

Selenium (Se) is a vital trace element, essential for growth and other biological functions in fish. Its significance lies in its role as a fundamental component of selenoproteins, which are crucial for optimal functioning of the organism. The inclusion of Se in the diets of farmed animals, including fish, has proved invaluable in mitigating the challenges arising from elemental deficiencies experienced in captivity conditions due to limitations in the content of fishmeal. Supplementing diets with Se enhances physiological responses, particularly mitigates the effects of the continuous presence of environmental stress factors. Organic Se has been shown to have higher absorption rates and a greater impact on bioavailability and overall health than inorganic forms. A characteristic feature of yeasts is their rapid proliferation and growth, marked by efficient mineral assimilation. Most of the selenized yeasts currently available in the market, and used predominantly in animal production and aquaculture, are based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which contains selenomethionine (Se-Met). The object of this review is to highlight the importance of selenized yeasts. In addition, it presents metabolic and productive aspects of other yeast genera that are important potential sources of organic selenium. Some yeast strains discussed produce metabolites of interest such as lipids, pigments, and amino acids, which could have applications in aquaculture and further enrich their usefulness.

Engineering Magnetic Nanoclusters for Highly Efficient Heating in Radio-Frequency Nanowarming.

Effective thawing of cryopreserved samples requires rapid and uniform heating. This is achievable through nanowarming, an approach that heats magnetic nanoparticles by using alternating magnetic fields. Here we demonstrate the synthesis and surface modification of magnetic nanoclusters for efficient nanowarming. Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoclusters with an optimal diameter of 58 nm exhibit a high specific absorption rate of 1499 W/g Fe under an alternating magnetic field at 43 kA/m and 413 kHz, more than twice that of commercial iron oxide cores used in prior nanowarming studies. Surface modification with a permeable resorcinol-formaldehyde resin (RFR) polymer layer significantly enhances their colloidal stability in complex cryoprotective solutions, while maintaining their excellent heating capacity. The Fe3O4@RFR nanoparticles achieved a high average heating rate of 175 °C/min in cryopreserved samples at a concentration of 10 mg Fe/mL and were successfully applied in nanowarming porcine iliac arteries, highlighting their potential for enhancing the efficacy of cryopreservation.

Structural investigation of aqueous amine solutions for CO2 capture: CO2 loading, cyclic capacity, absorption–desorption rate, and pKa

Understanding the CO2 capture performance of individual amines based on their structure is essential for efficient CO2 capture. In this study, the effects of the molecular structure of amine on CO2 loading, cyclic capacity, absorption–desorption rate, and pKa were investigated, and promising candidates for CO2 capture, along with an amine blending strategy, were proposed. The results showed that electron-donating alkyl groups increased the CO2 loading by increasing the electron density and pKa of the amino groups, whereas the electron-withdrawing hydroxyl group exhibited the opposite effect. Thirty amines were tested and categorized into Group A, B, C, and D based on CO2 absorption rate and cyclic capacity. Amines in Group B had a slow absorption rate but high cyclic capacity and included sterically hindered primary or secondary amines (2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-(isopropylamino)ethanol, and 2-(tert-butylamino)ethanol) and sterically hindered tertiary amines with one hydroxyl group on the β–carbon (1-dimethylamino-2-propanol, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperidine, N,N-diethylethanolamine and 1-diethylamino-2-propanol). The best-performing amines, Group A, were primarily multiamines (1-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine, 2-methylpiperazine, 2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethanol, N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine, N,N-diethyl-1,3-diaminopropane, hexamethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, and 3,3’-diamno-N-methyldipropylamine) and included a sterically hindered heterocyclic secondary amine (2-piperidineethanol) with a hydroxyalkyl substituent on the α–carbon. Thus, amines in Group A are promising absorbents for CO2 capture, and blending amines in Group B with amines that have a high CO2 absorption rate (e.g., Group A) can also be a potential strategy for efficient CO2 capture.

A broadband reconfigurable rasorber radome based on AFSR for RCS reduction

AbstractIn this paper, a broadband reconfigurable active frequency selective rasorber is proposed, which can be used as a radome for antenna radar cross section (RCS) reduction. By tuning the active components, the radome can achieve in‐band RCS reduction and reconfigurable absorptive/transmissive states. In the absorptive state, the max bandwidth with an absorption rate greater than 90% spanning from 1.62 to 5.37 GHz; in the absorptive/transmissive state, 2.2 GHz is the transmissive frequency with the insertion loss of 93% while absorbing in 0.94–2.06 GHz and 2.63–6.5 GHz, which demonstrate impressive characteristics of broadband and a high absorption rate. Additionally, the radome can maintain performance at ±35° angular incidence and is insensitive to incident wave polarization. Furthermore, it features a lightweight and low‐profile design, with a cell electrical size of just 0.078λ × 0.078λ × 0.066λ. The prototype test shows a noteworthy correlation with simulation. This study has wider applications in the electromagnetic stealth of communication antennas and aircraft, as well as in the control of electromagnetic pollution signals in space.

Induced saturation transfer recovery steady states (iSTRESS) for proton exchange rate mapping with CEST MRI, a preliminary study

Proton exchange underpins essential mechanisms in diverse MR imaging contrasts. Omega plots have proven effective in mapping proton exchange rates (kex) in live human brains, enabling the differentiation of MS lesion activities and characterization of ischemic stroke. However, Omega plots require extended saturation durations (typically 5 to 10 s), resulting in high specific absorption rates (SAR) that can hinder clinical feasibility. In this study, we introduce a novel kex mapping approach, named induced Saturation Transfer Recovery Steady-States (iSTRESS). iSTRESS integrates an excitation flip angle pulse prior to chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) saturation, effectively aligning the magnetization with its steady-state value. This innovation reduces saturation times and mitigates SAR concerns. The formula for iSTRESS-based kex quantification was derived theoretically, involving two measurements with distinct excitation flip angles and saturation B1 values. Bloch-McConnell simulations confirmed that iSTRESS-based kex values closely matched input values (R2 > 0.99). An iSTRESS MRI sequence was implemented on a 9.4 T preclinical MRI, imaging protein phantoms with pH values ranging from 6.2 to 7.4 (n = 4). Z-spectra were acquired using excitation flip angles of 30° and 60°, followed by CEST saturation at powers of 30 and 120 Hz respectively, with a total saturation time of <1 s, resulting in two iSTRESS states for kex mapping. kex maps derived from the phantom study exhibited a linear correlation (R2 > 0.99) with Omega plot results. The developed iSTRESS method allows for kex quantification with significantly reduced saturation times, effectively minimizing SAR concerns.

Impediments in attracting greenfield investment: does a stable absorption rate of the European cohesion policy make a difference?

ABSTRACT This paper seeks to investigate how the absorption rate of the European Cohesion Policy (ECP) funds and its dynamics are related to the creation of greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the European Union (EU). A dynamic panel estimation based on 28 recipient countries in 2007–2016 reveals that a high ECP funds absorption rate alone does not ensure the creation of greenfield FDI. However, stable absorption (i.e. low dynamics in the ECP funds absorption rate) seems to promote greenfield investment. The large year-to-year changes in the ECP funds absorption rate appear to indicate a non-stable business environment that may hamper new investment, calling for corrective mechanisms to prevent the inefficient rapid withdrawal of funds after the eligibility period.

A multiband perfect metamaterial absorber based on phase change material for switching and biosensing applications

In this article, a GST-based metamaterial three-band absorber in the terahertz region with switching and biosensing capabilities, was investigated. The proposed absorber exhibited a high absorption rate of 99% at three different resonance frequencies of 2.49 THz, 7.557 THz, and 9.13 THz. Additionally, the absorber demonstrated switching capability due to the amorphous and crystalline states of the GST phase change material. Its sensitivity to changes in the refractive indices of the test environment was evaluated, and its performance in detecting hemoglobin was studied. The proposed absorber showed a sensitivity of 2061.5 GHz/RIU, 2045 GHz/RIU, and 2041 GHz/RIU in the first to third resonance frequencies. Finally, to validate the proposed structure, an equivalent circuit model was proposed, the results of which showed good agreement with the results of simulation and impedance analysis.

A magnetic cross-linked alginate-biobased nanocomposite with anticancer and hyperthermia activities

This research study focuses on a new magnetic nanobiocomposite designed and synthesized by the formation of cross-linked alginate (Alg) hydrogel using CaCl2 cross-linker agent, its modification with flaxseed mucilage hydrogel and silk fibroin (SF) biopolymer extracted, and as well, the in-situ synthesis of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 MNPs) in the presence of this biopolymeric substrate. FT-IR, EDX, FE-SEM, XRD, VSM, and TG technical analyses clarified the physical and chemical features of magnetic cross-linked Alg/flaxseed mucilage hydrogel/SF nanobiocomposite. Following the structural characterization of this magnetic natural-based composition, the in-vitro cytotoxicity and hemolysis assay studies with different concentrations resulted in prominent biological outcomes. The survival rates of normal HEK293T cells (95.74%, 94.18%) and breast cancer BT549 cells (79.23%, 77.76%) after 48 and 72 h verified the biocompatibility and anticancer properties of this new nanobiocomposite. Also, less than 5% of the hemolytic effect disclosed its hemocompatibility. Furthermore, a high specific absorption rate value (72.42 W/g) is generated by 1 mg/mL of this magnetic nanobiocomposite. Overall, it can be deduced that magnetic responsive cross-linked Alg/flaxseed mucilage hydrogel/SF nanobiocomposite could functionally perform in magnetic hyperthermia treatment.

Restorative effect of bean ferritin iron on low hemoglobin level in premenopausal women with menstruation-induced anemia: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled intergroup trial

Background: Recently, bean ferritin has been attracting considerable attention as a new source of iron, that is available to vegetarians. Although high rates of iron absorption and bioavailability from this protein have been reported, clinical data on its efficacy remain scarce. Objective: In this study, we administered bean ferritin iron to premenopausal Japanese women for nine weeks, starting immediately after menstruation, to evaluate their recovery from low hemoglobin levels as one sign of anemia. Methods: Participants in the test supplement group received an iron intake of 5 mg from one capsule containing bean extract (SloIron®) for five weeks, which was increased to 10 mg (i.e., two capsules) from the 6th to the 9th week. The study evaluated the change in hemoglobin levels as the primary endpoint, and hematocrit, red blood cell count, serum iron, MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin), MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), serum ferritin, TSAT (TIBC), serum zinc, serum copper, anemia symptoms questionnaire, OSA sleep inventory, and the anti-fatigue questionnaire as the secondary endpoints. Results: Our results showed a significant difference (P=0.03) in the change in hemoglobin levels between the groups after nine weeks of intake, confirming the restorative effect of bean ferritin on low hemoglobin levels caused by menstruation. Moreover, a significant difference (P=0.01) was observed in the amount of change in MCHC between the two groups after five weeks of intake, and after nine weeks of intake, a significant difference in the change in both MCH (P=0.02) and MCHC (P&lt;0.01) was observed between the groups. A significant difference (P=0.03) was observed in the change in serum ferritin levels after nine weeks of intake. Conclusion: The study confirmed that iron supplementation from bean ferritin is an effective treatment for low hemoglobin and low ferritin levels caused by menstruation. Keywords: Ferritin, Bean ferritin, Menstruation, Serum iron, Hemoglobin

Restorative effect of bean ferritin iron on low hemoglobin level in premenopausal women with menstruation-induced anemia: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled intergroup trial

Background: Recently, bean ferritin has been attracting considerable attention as a new source of iron, that is available to vegetarians. Although high rates of iron absorption and bioavailability from this protein have been reported, clinical data on its efficacy remain scarce. Objective: In this study, we administered bean ferritin iron to premenopausal Japanese women for nine weeks, starting immediately after menstruation, to evaluate their recovery from low hemoglobin levels as one sign of anemia. Methods: Participants in the test supplement group received an iron intake of 5 mg from one capsule containing bean extract (SloIron®) for five weeks, which was increased to 10 mg (i.e., two capsules) from the 6th to the 9th week. The study evaluated the change in hemoglobin levels as the primary endpoint, and hematocrit, red blood cell count, serum iron, MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin), MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), serum ferritin, TSAT (TIBC), serum zinc, serum copper, anemia symptoms questionnaire, OSA sleep inventory, and the anti-fatigue questionnaire as the secondary endpoints. Results: Our results showed a significant difference (P=0.03) in the change in hemoglobin levels between the groups after nine weeks of intake, confirming the restorative effect of bean ferritin on low hemoglobin levels caused by menstruation. Moreover, a significant difference (P=0.01) was observed in the amount of change in MCHC between the two groups after five weeks of intake, and after nine weeks of intake, a significant difference in the change in both MCH (P=0.02) and MCHC (P&lt;0.01) was observed between the groups. A significant difference (P=0.03) was observed in the change in serum ferritin levels after nine weeks of intake. Conclusion: The study confirmed that iron supplementation from bean ferritin is an effective treatment for low hemoglobin and low ferritin levels caused by menstruation. Keywords: Ferritin, Bean ferritin, Menstruation, Serum iron, Hemoglobin