Stability and iron affinity of Donkey-hide gelatin hydrolysates: Implications for improving iron bioavailability and gut microbiota modulation.

ABSTRACT: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional disorder primarily treated with inorganic iron supplements. However, these interventions are often limited by poor bioavailability and gastrointestinal side effects. Food-derived protein hydrolysates have emerged as promising dietary strategies to enhance iron absorption and mitigate adverse effects. This study evaluated the efficacy of dietary supplementation with Donkey-hide gelatin hydrolysates (DH) in alleviating IDA in a rat model. DH-Fe exhibited superior binding affinity and stability, retaining more soluble iron fraction under diverse conditions, confirming its role as a functional dietary iron carrier. In vivo, DH markedly enhanced hematopoiesis and iron homeostasis, elevating hemoglobin by 44% and normalizing serum ferritin

SUBMITTER: Lin HB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12658104 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature