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IRON

RECRUITMENT IS CLOSED FOR THIS STUDY

The effect of prebiotic Synergy1 during iron supplementation on microbiota and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in women with low ferritin levels.

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibre that exert bacteria changes in the intestine and bring about health benefits

  • They are used in foods to increase beneficial gut bacterial numbers
  • They have been found to improve the intestinal bacterial composition of the general population
  • They are safe for human consumption
  • They have been consumed by humans for hundreds of years

Proposed benefits of prebiotics

  • Reduce the number/activities of disease causing bacteria
  • Influence satiety
  • Improve immune response
  • Reduce risk of gastrointestinal illness such as travellers' diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, infections
  • Increase absorption of minerals

Ferrous salts administrated during iron deficiency are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. Around 75% of the unabsorbed iron will reach the colon where could be used by intestinal bacteria, especially by non-beneficial bacterial species. Prebiotics are safe interventions that promote growth of beneficial microorganisms as bifidobacteria. The aim of this study is investigating if a prebiotic intervention during iron supplementation could help to mitigate

the adverse effects of iron in the microbiota and therefore, reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms usually associated to iron consumption

Are you?

  • Age: 18-50 years (premenopausal)
  • Gender: Female
Contact us

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nutritionvolunteers@reading.ac.uk

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