Work

Bioavailability of Sodium Iron Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, Ferrous Fumarate, and Ferrous Sulfate in Corn Flour Using Different INFOGEST Digestion and Caco-2 Cell Model Methods

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background The static digestion/Caco-2 cell model has been widely employed as a bioassay to assess iron bioavailability. However, there are many methodological differences in how it is utilized. Thus, the feasibility of different chamber systems and iron treatment options were examined. Objective To investigate iron bioavailability of INFOGEST digesta compared to supernatant in Caco-2 model with Glahn's dual chamber system (dialysis membrane), an alternative dual-chamber system (insert membrane), or a triple-chamber system (insert membrane + dialysis membrane). To determine the bioavailability of precooked corn flour fortified with ferric sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA), ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate (FeSO 4 ) and their combinations. Methods Precooked corn flour samples fortified with NaFeEDTA, ferrous fumarate, or FeSO 4 were digested following the INFOGEST method. The iron solubility of supernatant was analyzed and Caco-2 cells were treated with iron digesta or supernatant in the dual-chamber or the triple-chamber systems for 2 hours, respectively. The ferritin concentrations were quantified to compare systems. Finally, the bioavailability of NaFeEDTA, ferrous fumarate, and FeSO 4 combinations was measured using Glahn's dual-chamber system. Results Iron solubility of NaFeEDTA was significantly higher than ferrous fumarate and FeSO 4 . The combinations of NaFeEDTA and fumarate/FeSO 4 at the 4:9 weight ratio had significantly higher iron solubility than combinations of NaFeEDTA and fumarate/FeSO 4 at the 2:11 weight ratio. Ferritin concentrations in the Glahn's dual-chamber system were significantly higher than the alternative dual-chamber and the triple-chamber systems. The combinations of NaFeEDTA and FeSO 4 at 2:11 weight ratio had significantly higher ferritin concentrations than the other combination samples. Conclusions The Caco-2 cell model with Glahn's dual-chamber system and INFOGEST digesta was the best treatment and chamber system. NaFeEDTA had significantly higher bioavailability than FeSO 4 , but not ferrous fumarate. The combination of NaFeEDTA and FeSO 4 at 2:11 weight ratio was the most promising iron treatment ratio.

Source: Current Developments in Nutrition

DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.107686

Authors: Jiejia Zhang, Brian L Lindshield

Institution: Kansas State University

Language: English

Topic: Iron Metabolism and Disorders

Subfield: Hematology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,000