Bioavailability of iron in multiple fortified milk

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the bioavailability of iron in milk fortified with ferric pyrophosphate (FPP) soluble and vitamin A acetate and to establish the role of vitamin A in enhancement of iron absorption. Balance indices viz. apparent digestibility coefficient, % retention/intake of iron and haematological parameters viz. blood haemoglobin, plasma ferritin, plasma transferrin and iron content in rat livers were analyzed to evaluate iron bioavailability. Anaemia was induced in one group of rats to evaluate the effect of iron status of body on iron absorption from diet. The results of in vivo study showed that feeding of rats with lyophilates of milk fortified with FPP soluble and FPP soluble + vitamin A acetate had a significant effect on the balance indices of the iron as well as on the haematological parameters and iron liver status. The utilization of iron in the body, as indicated by the results of balance indices, haematological parameters and iron status of livers was significantly higher in anaemic rats compared to control group rats. Vitamin A appeared to be playing role in enhancement of iron absorption and utilization in body.