The Effects of Biofortified Cowpeas on Iron, Glucose, and Lipid Metabolism in Rats Fed a High-Fat/High-Sugar Diet.

ABSTRACT: Iron deficiency anemia may affect carbohydrates and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the iron bioavailability from biofortified cowpeas in the context of a high-fat/high-sugar diet and its relationship with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Forty-eight Wistar rats were induced to anemia for 21 days, and during the repletion phase (35 days), the animals received diets containing 12 ppm of iron from ferrous sulfate or biofortified (BRS Aracê and BRS Tumucumaque) and a conventional (BRS Pajeú) cowpeas. The biofortified cowpea Aracê showed a hemoglobin gain similar to ferrous sulfate, improved crypt size in the colon, lowered insulin levels and area under the curve in the glucose tolerance test compared to ferrous sulfate (p < 0.05). Hepcidin levels were similar between the grou

SUBMITTER: Gaspar APR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12824469 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature