Swedish biotech startup Ironic Biotech has generated new findings in its latest study, analysing how its proprietary heme iron ingredient performs in comparison with other iron supplements.
The in vitro study shows that Ironic Biotech’s patented iron protein delivers significantly better iron bioavailability than high-quality commercial lactoferrin, up to 65 times more when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
It also outperforms iron sulfate and other common iron ingredients used in supplements, such as iron bisglycinate and ferritin with enhancers, by a factor of more than ten in the experiments.
Iron plays a crucial role in health by supporting oxygen transport, brain development, physical performance and immune function. Its deficiency is increasingly linked to a wide range of conditions, from heart failure and pregnancy complications to ADHD, autism and impaired motor skills in children.
Despite its importance, most iron ingredients in today’s supplements are poorly absorbed by the body.
Although people are recommended to consume 18 mg of iron daily, they only need about 1 mg if the iron is efficiently absorbed — a feat that lactoferrin or other supplements can’t do.
“These results truly set us apart from other iron ingredients. Our protein allows supplement and food companies to use smaller amounts of iron, without compromising on effectiveness and without altering the flavour of the product,” says Dr Nélida Leiva Eriksson (pictured), founder and CEO of Ironic Biotech.
“Our ingredient is intended for use in supplements and fortified foods. In a standardised in-vitro Caco-2 model, milk fortified with 100 mg of Ironic’s iron-protein per 200 mL showed approximately 60% higher in-vitro iron uptake compared to the same milk without added iron."
This result is just one of the many examples we have of how a modest amount of our protein can dramatically increase bioavailable iron.
"Imagine people taking our proteins as they are or adding them to their favourite meals, getting the energy they need with minimal effort. We are opening up many opportunities for people to get the iron they need without fuss or side-effects.”
Ironic Biotech’s iron product has high absorption rates, is tasteless, has no side-effects like stomach pain or nausea, comes from edible plants and is a stable ingredient for companies related to supplement products, functional and medical food, including probiotics and gummies.
“I am excited to see innovations such as Ironic Biotech’s iron protein. The need for an effective, well-tolerated iron supplement has never been greater."
"Millions of people globally stand to benefit from better treatments,” says Leonard A. Valentino, MD, a haematologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation in the US.
“Our studies show that our iron product absorbs as well as iron from red meat, which is a problematic iron source for multiple reasons. We have seen significant progress in the past year, and these study results increase our confidence in our product’s commercial viability."
"As we move into the next phase, we are currently welcoming new strategic investors and partners to join our journey to help two billion people globally suffering from iron deficiency,” Eriksson concludes.