Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT The impact of siderophorogenic probiotics on iron (Fe) metabolism and their potential for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia remains unexplored. Food grade bacteria were previously isolated from Chhurpi (a Ladhaki cottage cheese) and their siderophorogenic (2, 3‐dihydroxybenzoyl glycine) and probiotic characteristics were reported. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of an 8‐week regimen of simultaneous and exclusive oral probiotic and iron supplementation on specific parameters of Fe metabolism in anemic rats. Thirty‐five rats were equally divided into seven groups‐ Control (CG), Experimental control anemia (ECAG), Iron‐treated (FEG), Probiotic‐treated with B. subtilis L9 (BSG) and P. pentosaceus BAC L7 (PPG), and co‐supplementation of iron and probiotic‐treated groups (FBSG and FPPG). Fe content in blood and tissues; serum levels of erythroferrone, ferritin (Ft), homocysteine, hepcidin (HEPC), lactoferrin; expression of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), transferrin receptor proteins 1 (TfR1) and 2 (TfR2) in liver, and fecal microbial profile were monitored during the course of experiment. Results indicated that a higher duodenal Fe content in FBSG (402.35 ± 4.3 μg/g) group, unlike the FEG (231.32 ± 3.38 μg/g), BSG (172.48 ± 2.4 μg/g) and ECAG (49.34 ± 1.78 μg/g) groups. Similarly, serum Ft levels were elevated in the FBSG (89.25 ± 3.89 pg/mL) group and improved antioxidant parameter along with gut microbial composition, as compared to the FEG and ECAG groups. This study for the first time explored a positive impact of siderophorogenic probiotic strains ( Bacillus subtilis L9 and Pediococcus pentosaceus BAC L7) supported iron metabolism under anemic condition. Furthermore, it demonstrates a synergistic effect of probiotic and iron supplementation in enhancing duodenal iron absorption and upregulating systemic iron regulatory biomarkers.
DOI: 10.1111/jfpe.70720
Institution: Vidyasagar University
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204146123