Iron deficiency is a widespread health issue, particularly in regions like Africa and Asia, where infectious diseases are prevalent. Conventional iron supplementation and fortification approaches often raise concerns about their impact on gut microbiota and the proliferation of pathogens. During the Ri.MED Symposium 2024, held recently in Palermo (Italy) Microbiomepost conducted an exclusive interview with Raphaëlle Bourdet-Sicard from Danone Nutricia Research. In this interview Bourdet-Sicard discusses a study which investigates the use of a mixed prebiotic formulation, including galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), to enhance iron absorption while mitigating adverse effects on gut microbiota.
Conducted as a clinical trial with Kenyan infants, the study administered the prebiotic mixture alongside iron in cereal matrices for three weeks. Using stable isotope techniques, researchers observed a 60% increase in iron absorption.
The findings highlight the potential of prebiotics to optimize iron supplementation, reducing the required dosage while minimizing negative impacts on gut health. This innovative approach offers a promising strategy for addressing iron deficiency and its associated health challenges in resource-limited settings.
