Iron absorption probiotic hits Swedish shelves

30-Mar-2016 - Last updated on 31-Mar-2016 at 12:36 GMT

Probi is currently awaiting the verdict on a response to its 13.5 health claim stating: “Lactobacillus plantarum 299v increases non-heme iron absorption.”

Swedish manufacturer Bringwell has launched a probiotic for boosted iron absorption using Probi’s FerroSorb, while a health claim on the ingredient remains under consideration.

The Probi Järn product will join Bringwell’s existing range of products using the strains of Swedish supplier Probi, including gastrointestinal health product Probi Digestis and immune health Probi Defendum.

The product – a combination of lactic acid bacteria LP299V, vitamin C, folic acid and iron – will be available in pharmacies in Sweden.

Probi is currently awaiting the verdict on its 13.5 health claim stating: “Lactobacillus plantarum 299v increases non-heme iron absorption.”

Assessment of the five clinical trial application was started by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in November last year.

The company claims Probi FerroSorb can help increase uptake not just intake of iron and this in turn could help reduce side effects associated with high doses of iron.

A focus group led by the company found some cases of iron deficiency went untreated because of these unpleasant side effects, which can include abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea, heartburn, nausea and black faeces.

Probi FerroSorb offers a “new approach” for both probiotic products and deficiencies, the company told us.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), two billion people – over 30% of the world’s population – are anaemic.