1
|
Iddrisu I, Monteagudo-Mera A, Poveda C, Shahzad M, Walton GE, Andrews SC. A review of the effect of iron supplementation on the gut microbiota of children in developing countries and the impact of prebiotics. Nutr Res Rev 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38586996 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422424000118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Iron is essential for many physiological functions of the body, and it is required for normal growth and development. Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common form of micronutrient malnutrition and is particularly prevalent in infants and young children in developing countries. Iron supplementation is considered the most effective strategy to combat the risk of ID and ID anaemia (IDA) in infants, although iron supplements cause a range of deleterious gut-related problems in malnourished children. The purpose of this review is to assess the available evidence on the effect of iron supplementation on the gut microbiota during childhood ID and to further assess whether prebiotics offer any benefits for iron supplementation. Prebiotics are well known to improve gut-microbial health in children, and recent reports indicate that prebiotics can mitigate the adverse gut-related effects of iron supplementation in children with ID and IDA. Thus, provision of prebiotics alongside iron supplements has the potential for an enhanced strategy for combatting ID and IDA among children in the developing world. However, further understanding is required before the benefit of such combined treatments of ID in nutritionally deprived children across populations can be fully confirmed. Such enhanced understanding is of high relevance in resource-poor countries where ID, poor sanitation and hygiene, alongside inadequate access to good drinking water and poor health systems, are serious public health concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ishawu Iddrisu
- Rose Ward, Prospect Park Hospital, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Reading, RG30 4EJ, UK
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AP, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6EX, UK
| | - Andrea Monteagudo-Mera
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AP, UK
| | - Carlos Poveda
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AP, UK
| | - Muhammed Shahzad
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
- Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, Zarqa, 13110, Jordan
| | - Gemma E Walton
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AP, UK
| | - Simon C Andrews
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6EX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mikulic N, Uyoga MA, Stoffel NU, Derrien M, Nyilima S, Kostopoulos I, Roeselers G, Chenoll E, Mwasi E, Pironaci G, Karanja S, Bourdet-Sicard R, Zimmermann MB. Prebiotics increase iron absorption and reduce the adverse effects of iron on the gut microbiome and inflammation: a randomized controlled trial using iron stable isotopes in Kenyan infants. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:456-469. [PMID: 38042412 PMCID: PMC10884607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron fortificants tend to be poorly absorbed and may adversely affect the gut, especially in African children. OBJECTIVE We assessed the effects of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides/fructo-oligosaccharides (GOS/FOS) on iron absorption and gut health when added to iron-fortified infant cereal. METHODS We randomly assigned Kenyan infants (n = 191) to receive daily for 3 wk a cereal containing iron and 7.5 g GOS/FOS (7.5 g+iron group), 3 g (3-g+iron group) GOS/FOS, or no prebiotics (iron group). A subset of infants in the 2 prebiotic+iron groups (n = 66) consumed 4 stable iron isotope-labeled test meals without and with prebiotics, both before and after the intervention. Primary outcome was fractional iron absorption (FIA) from the cereal with or without prebiotics regardless of dose, before and after 3 wk of consumption. Secondary outcomes included fecal gut microbiota, iron and inflammation status, and effects of prebiotic dose. RESULTS Median (25th-75th percentiles) FIAs from meals before intervention were as follows: 16.3% (8.0%-27.6%) without prebiotics compared with 20.5% (10.4%-33.4%) with prebiotics (Cohen d = 0.53; P < 0.001). FIA from the meal consumed without prebiotics after intervention was 22.9% (8.5%-32.4%), 41% higher than from the meal without prebiotics before intervention (Cohen d = 0.36; P = 0.002). FIA from the meal consumed with prebiotics after intervention was 26.0% (12.2%-36.1%), 60% higher than from the meal without prebiotics before intervention (Cohen d = 0.45; P = 0.007). After 3 wk, compared with the iron group, the following results were observed: 1) Lactobacillus sp. abundances were higher in both prebiotic+iron groups (P < 0.05); 2) Enterobacteriaceae sp. abundances (P = 0.022) and the sum of pathogens (P < 0.001) were lower in the 7.5-g+iron group; 3) the abundance of bacterial toxin-encoding genes was lower in the 3-g+iron group (false discovery rate < 0.05); 4) fecal pH (P < 0.001) and calprotectin (P = 0.033) were lower in the 7.5-g+iron group. CONCLUSIONS Adding prebiotics to iron-fortified infant cereal increases iron absorption and reduces the adverse effects of iron on the gut microbiome and inflammation in Kenyan infants. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03894358.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Mikulic
- Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mary A Uyoga
- Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole U Stoffel
- Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Suzane Nyilima
- Public and Community Health Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Edith Mwasi
- Paediatrics Department, Msambweni County Referral Hospital, Msambweni, Kenya
| | - Giulia Pironaci
- Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon Karanja
- Public and Community Health Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Michael B Zimmermann
- Medical Research Council Translational Immune Discovery Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pittia P, Blanc S, Heer M. Unraveling the intricate connection between dietary factors and the success in long-term space missions. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:89. [PMID: 38092789 PMCID: PMC10719368 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00331-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades of spaceflight, inadequate caloric intake has posed significant nutritional challenges, contributing to muscle degradation, weakened immune and cardiovascular systems during and after space missions. This challenge becomes more acute on longer exploration missions, where transporting all food for the entire mission becomes a logistical challenge. This places immense pressure on the food system, requiring energy-dense, varied, stable, and palatable food options. Prolonged storage can lead to nutrient degradation, reducing their bioavailability and bioaccessibility to astronauts. Research is essential not only to improve the quality and stability of space food but also to enhance nutrient bioavailability, thereby reducing weight and volume of food. Muscle and bone loss represent major risks during extended spaceflight, prompting extensive efforts to find exercise countermeasures. However, increased exercise requires additional energy intake, and finding the optimal balance between energy needs and the preservation of muscle and bone mass is challenging. Currently, there is no reliable way to measure total energy expenditure and activity-related energy expenditures in real-time. Systematic research is necessary to develop onboard technology for accurate energy expenditure and body composition monitoring. This research should aim to establish an optimal exercise regimen that balances energy requirements while maintaining astronaut strength and minimizing food transport. In summary, this overview outlines key actions needed for future exploration missions to maintain body mass and physical strength of space travellers. It addresses the requirements for food processing and preservation, considerations for space food formulation and production, and the essential measures to be implemented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martina Heer
- IU International University of Applied Sciences, Erfurt, Germany.
- University of Bonn, Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tan C, Karaca AC, Assadpour E, Jafari SM. Influence of different nano/micro-carriers on the bioavailability of iron: Focus on in vitro-in vivo studies. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 318:102949. [PMID: 37348384 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Anemia resulting from iron (Fe) deficiency is a global public health problem. The deficiency of Fe is usually due to insufficient dietary intake of iron, interaction of Fe with other food components, and thus low bioaccessibility/bioavailability. Fe encapsulation has the potential to tackle some major challenges in iron fortification of foods. Various nano/micro-carriers have been developed for encapsulation of Fe, including emulsions, liposomes, hydrogels, and spray-dried microcapsules. They could reduce the interactions of Fe with food components, increase iron tolerance and intestinal uptake, and decrease adverse effects. This article review covers the factors affecting the bioavailability of Fe along with emerging carriers that can be used as a solution of this issue. The application of Fe-loaded carriers in food supplements and products is also described. The advantages and limitations associated with the delivery efficiency of each carrier for Fe are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Tan
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, China-Canada Joint Lab of Food Nutrition and Health (Beijing), School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Asli Can Karaca
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 34469 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elham Assadpour
- Food Industry Research Co., Gorgan, Iran; Food and Bio-Nanotech International Research Center (Fabiano), Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Department of Food Materials and Process Design Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Husmann FMD, Zimmermann MB, Herter-Aeberli I. The Effect of Prebiotics on Human Iron Absorption: A Review. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:2296-2304. [PMID: 35816457 PMCID: PMC9776726 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron deficiency remains the most common nutritional deficiency. Oral iron supplementation is the recommended first-line treatment and used as a preventive measure as well. Enhancers of iron absorption are highly sought after to improve supplementation outcomes. Evidence from animal and human studies exists that prebiotics can enhance iron absorption. The purpose of this present narrative review of the literature is to summarize the existing evidence on the effects of prebiotics on human iron absorption. Relevant articles were identified from PUBMED, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to November 2021. Only human trials investigating the effect of prebiotics on iron absorption were included. Eleven articles were identified and included for review. There are promising findings supporting an enhancing effect of certain prebiotics, but inconsistencies between the studies and results exist. The most convincing evidence exists for the prebiotics galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides combined with the commonly used iron compound ferrous fumarate, from studies in adult women with low iron stores and in anemic infants. Many factors seem to play a role in the enhancing effect of prebiotics on iron absorption such as type of prebiotic, dose, acute (single-dose) or chronic (long-term) prebiotic consumption, iron compound, iron status, inflammatory status, and age of the population studied. More research investigating the optimal combination of prebiotic, iron compound, and dose as well as the effect of long-term application on iron status outcomes is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederike M D Husmann
- Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition and
Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael B Zimmermann
- Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition and
Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Herter-Aeberli
- Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition and
Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Agrizzi Verediano T, Agarwal N, Juste Contin Gomes M, Martino HSD, Tako E. Effects of dietary fiber on intestinal iron absorption, and physiological status: a systematic review of in vivo and clinical studies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:9017-9032. [PMID: 35403512 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2060933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The benefits of dietary fiber on intestinal health have been well established. However, there is no consensus on the dietary fiber effects on mineral absorption. The objective of this systematic review is to discuss the evidence on the dietary fiber effects on iron absorption and iron status-related biomarkers. A comprehensive search of 3 databases: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was carried out. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and a total of 32 studies were included with 9 of them clinical studies and 23 in vivo. The studies included assessment of dietary fiber in the form of fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, inulin, pectin, guar gum, oligofructose, xylo-oligosaccharides, and mannan-oligosaccharide. Hemoglobin (n = 21) and fractional iron absorption (n = 6) were the most frequently reported outcomes. The results showed no significant correlations between consumption of dietary fiber to iron absorption/status-related biomarkers. However, the current evidence may not be substantial to invalidate the recommendation of dietary fiber as an agent to improve dietary iron bioavailability, and absorption. In conclusion, there is a need to conduct further clinical trials with long dietary fiber intervention focusing on population at high risk for iron deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikita Agarwal
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Elad Tako
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|