Could A Specific Probiotic Help You Absorb More Iron?

Iron Absorption Matters Just As Much As Iron Intake

Many people assume that taking an iron supplement or eating more iron-rich foods is enough to improve iron status. However, the amount of iron you consume is only part of the equation. Your body must also be able to absorb and use that iron effectively.

Researchers have known for many years that iron absorption varies considerably between individuals. Factors such as gut health, inflammation, the foods eaten alongside iron, and the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract all influence how much iron is ultimately absorbed.

This study focused on one specific probiotic strain, Lp299v, to determine whether it could improve the body's ability to absorb iron from a meal.

How Was The Study Performed?

Researchers recruited healthy menstruating women with normal iron stores and compared iron absorption from identical meals consumed with and without Lp299v.

Using a sophisticated double-isotope technique, considered one of the gold standard methods for measuring iron absorption, they were able to accurately determine exactly how much iron entered the body after each meal.

The study was repeated twice in separate groups of women, allowing the researchers to confirm whether the findings were consistent.

What Did The Researchers Find?

The results were remarkably consistent across both studies.

Women absorbed up to 29% more iron from the exact same meal when it was consumed alongside Lp299v compared with the meal alone.

Importantly, nothing else about the meals changed. The women did not consume more iron. Instead, their bodies were simply able to absorb more of the iron that was already present.

This highlights an important concept: supporting iron absorption can be just as valuable as increasing iron intake.

How Does Lp299v Help Iron Absorption?

The exact mechanism is still being explored, but researchers believe Lp299v supports several processes that make iron easier for the body to absorb.

These include:

• Increasing the availability of iron within the digestive tract

• Creating an environment that favours iron absorption

• Supporting the health and function of the intestinal lining

• Positively influencing the gut microbiome

Rather than supplying iron itself, Lp299v appears to help the body utilise dietary iron more efficiently.

Why This Matters For Women

Iron deficiency remains one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, particularly in menstruating women.

Low iron stores can contribute to symptoms such as:

• Fatigue

• Reduced energy

• Poor concentration

• Weakness

• Reduced exercise capacity

• Hair shedding

Improving iron absorption offers another strategy to support healthy iron levels, alongside consuming adequate dietary iron and using well-formulated supplements where appropriate.

What Does This Mean For Women With PCOS/PMOS?

Although this study was not conducted specifically in women with PCOS/PMOS, the findings are still highly relevant.

Many women with PCOS/PMOS experience low iron or depleted iron stores. For some, this relates to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. For others, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, restrictive eating patterns, or poor iron absorption may contribute.

Low iron can also worsen symptoms that overlap with PCOS/PMOS, including fatigue, low energy, poor concentration and hair shedding. This means iron status is an important part of the bigger health picture and should not be overlooked.