Influence of multistrain probiotic and iron supplementation on iron status in rats

Objective: The impact of multistrain probiotics on iron (Fe) metabolism under Fe-deficient diet conditions re-mains unknown. The study aimed to compare the effect of 6 weeks simultaneous and exclusive oral multistrain probiotic and iron supplementation on selected parameters of Fe metabolism in rats on an Fe-deficient diet. Methods: Forty rats were assigned to five groups, with eight animals in each, and for 6 weeks received: the CC group-a standard diet, the DD group-an Fe-deficient diet, the DPB group-an Fe-deficient with a multispecies probiotic, the DFE group-an Fe-deficient diet supplemented with iron, the DPBFE group-an Fe-deficient diet with iron and a multispecies probiotic. The Fe content in blood and tissues; serum concentration of eryth-roferrone, ferritin (Ft), homocysteine, hepcidin (HEPC) and lactoferrin; liver content of divalent metal trans-porter 1 (DMT1), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TfR1) and 2 (TfR2) and ZRT/IRT-like protein 14 (ZIP14) and faecal microbiota were assessed. Results: In DPBFE group, unlike in DPB and DFE groups, duodenal Fe content was higher compared to DD group. Similarly, serum Ft level was higher in DPBFE group, but not in DPB and DFE groups, compared to DD group. Conclusions: Six weeks simultaneous oral multistrain probiotic and Fe supplementation, but not exclusive pro-biotic or Fe intake, increases duodenal Fe absorption in rats and presents higher effectiveness in increasing tissue Fe stores.