Inulin–iron complexes: A potential treatment of iron deficiency anaemia

The aim of this work was that to synthesize macromolecular derivatives based on inulin able to complex iron and useful in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia. Carboxylated or thiolated/carboxylated inulin derivatives were obtained by single or double step reactions, respectively. The first one was obtained by reaction of inulin (INU) with succinic anhydride (SA) alone obtaining INU–SA derivative; the second one was obtained by the reaction of INU with succinic anhydride and subsequent reaction of INU–SA with cysteine; both derivatives were treated with ferric chloride in order to obtain the INU–SA–FeIII and INU–SA–Cys–FeIII complexes. Both complexes showed an excellent biodegradability in the presence of inulinase and pronounced mucoadhesion properties; in particular, thiolated derivative INU–SA–Cys showed greater mucoadhesive properties than polyacrylic acid chosen, as a positive reference polymer, and a good iron release profile in condition mimicking the intestinal tract. These results suggest the potential employment of such systems in the oral treatment of iron deficiency anaemia or as supplement of iron in foods.