Searching for enhanced iron fortification of formula milk via nanoparticles and Isotope Pattern Deconvolution

Nanoparticles (NPs) of 57Fe(III) oxo-hydroxide have been investigated for formula milk iron fortification. The body iron status of lactating rats was evaluated by analyzing iron content in all iron compartments (functional, transport and storage). Results were compared with a non‑iron fortified rat group (NF) and a rat group fortified with FeSO4. Intestinal iron (57Fe) absorption observed in rats using the synthesized NPs was 91% (similar to the obtained for FeSO4), and their total iron levels in the functional compartment were the highest, while similar values were observed in the other iron compartments for both iron fortified groups. Exogenous 57Fe incorporation from NPs was always higher than 56% in all the analyzed iron compartments. Interestingly, higher than those observed for other physicochemical forms assayed for formula milk fortification. This work has shown that 57Fe from the assayed NPs is efficiently incorporated keeping appropriate iron levels, protecting from possible body iron deficiency.