Characterization of a novel encapsulated oral iron supplement to prevent iron deficiency anemia in neonatal piglets

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize nonheme iron (NHI) and heme iron (HI) microparticles to elaborate a novel oral iron supplement, determining its effect on the iron nutritional status of neonatal piglets. Nonheme iron (ferrous sulfate) was dissolved at 20, 30, and 40% wt/vol, and HI (porcine blood cells) was dissolved at 30% wt/vol in a maltodextrin solution (40% wt/vol). Solutions were spray-dried, obtaining NHI microparticles (NHIM) A, B, and C, respectively, and HI microparticles (HIM). Microparticles were characterized by iron content and release profile at gastrointestinal in vitro pigs' conditions. NHIM-B was selected and blended with HIM (oral iron supplement). Neonatal pigs (n = 66) were supplemented with 200 mg of injectable dextran iron on d 2 of life (parenteral group; n = 22), with 126 mg oral iron supplement on d 2 and 8 (oral I; n = 22), or with 84 mg oral iron supplement on d 2, 8, and 14 (oral II; n = 22). Red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP), and serum ferritin (SF) were determined. The Hb content of the oral I group was lower (8.3. 1.3 g/dL) than the parenteral (10.1. 1.7 g/dL) and oral II (10.2. 1.4 g/dL) groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, RBC, Ht, MCV, MCHC, and SF were altered in the oral I group, indicating iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia in piglets may be prevented by the administration of an oral encapsulated NHI/HI supplement (3 doses) presenting the same benefits as classical parenteral supplementation