A novel low molecular weight Enteromorpha polysaccharide-iron (III) complex and its effect on rats with iron deficiency anemia (IDA)

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common nutritional disease that affects normal erythropoiesis. Traditional iron supplements usually cause gastrointestinal irritation. In this study, a novel low-molecular-weight polysaccharide from Enteromorpha prolifera (LPE) was prepared by oxidation degradation, and LPE-iron (III) complex was synthesized and characterized. The molecular weight of LPE-iron (III) complex was 21.25 kDa, and iron content was 25%. The therapeutic effects of LPE-iron (III) complex on IDA were investigated in rats. The hematological indices and organ coefficients of the rats were analyzed. Results showed a dose-dependent relationship, and a prior intragastric administration of LPE-iron (III) complex (2 mg Fe/kg body weight) exhibited considerable effect when compared with the positive control. Therefore, LPE-iron (III) complex could be exploited as a new iron fortifier.