IronNEW2026-10

Nanotechnology for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia: an in vivo review.

Haghighatseir Erfan, Karimi Zeinab, Berenjian Aydin, Ebrahiminezhad Alireza — Biometals : an international journal on the role of metal ions in biology, biochemistry, and medicine

Summary

Iron deficiency is a widespread health issue, and current iron supplements often cause digestive side effects. This scientific review explores how nanotechnology can be used to develop new, more effective oral iron supplements. The aim is to create treatments that are better absorbed by the body and cause fewer unwanted reactions, offering a promising future direction for managing iron deficiency.

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Key points

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder globally.
Traditional iron supplements often cause side effects like stomach upset, leading to poor patient compliance.
Nanotechnology is being explored to create new iron supplements that are better absorbed and have fewer side effects.
The effectiveness of these new nano-based iron supplements depends on their specific properties.

What the study looked at

This scientific review investigated how nanotechnology could be applied to create improved oral iron supplements for treating iron deficiency anemia. The goal was to address common problems with existing iron pills, such as gastrointestinal side effects and poor absorption, which often lead to patients stopping their treatment. The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of existing *in vivo* studies – meaning research performed in living organisms, not just in test tubes – that evaluated various iron-containing nanomaterials as potential oral supplements. They synthesized findings from numerous studies to understand the performance, absorption mechanisms, and potential toxicity of these novel materials. The review concluded that nanotechnology holds significant promise for developing new iron supplements that could be more effectively absorbed by the body and cause fewer adverse reactions. It highlighted that the success of these nano-based supplements largely depends on their specific physical and chemical properties. The paper also proposed a framework outlining the ideal characteristics for future oral iron nanoparticle supplements, emphasizing the need for high bioavailability and low toxicity to ensure both efficacy and patient safety.

Dietary takeaway

While this research explores future medical treatments, it underscores the importance of effectively addressing iron deficiency. For now, focus on a balanced diet rich in iron from sources like lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals. If you suspect you have an iron deficiency, consult a healthcare professional before considering any supplements, as this study represents early-stage research and not a definitive dietary recommendation.

Abstract

Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional disorder globally. Conventional treatment primarily involves oral supplementation with various iron salts, such as ferrous sulfate. While cost-effective and easily administered, these salts are associated with several challenges, including gastrointestinal irritation, prolonged treatment duration, and poor patient compliance due to adverse side effects. To address these limitations, nanotechnology has been employed to develop improved oral iron supplements with varying degrees of success. Utilizing approaches from nanotechnology and materials science, researchers have engineered diverse iron-containing nanomaterials designed to provide bioavailable iron. However, the efficacy of these nanomaterials as oral supplements is highly dependent on their specific physicochemical properties. An effective nano-based replacement for iron salts must exhibit high bioavailability for efficient iron restoration and low toxicity to minimize side effects. This review consolidates in vivo research on various iron nanomaterials evaluated as oral iron supplements. Furthermore, it proposes a framework for the ideal characteristics of an oral iron nanoparticle supplement by consolidating the current understanding of the mechanisms governing nanoparticle absorption and toxicity.

View on PubMed →DOI: 10.1007/s10534-026-00824-8