Evaluation of iron transport from ferrous glycinate liposomes using Caco-2 cell model

BACKGROUND: Iron fortification of foods is currently a strategy employed to fight iron deficiency in countries. Liposomes were assumed to be a potential carrier of iron supplements. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the iron transport from ferrous glycinate liposomes, and to estimate the effects of liposomal carriers, phytic acid, zinc and particle size on iron transport using Caco-2 cell models. METHODS: Caco-2 cells were cultured and seeded in DMEM medium. Minimum essential medium was added to the basolateral side. Iron liposome suspensions were added to the apical side of the transwell. RESULTS: The iron transport from ferrous glycinate liposomes was significantly higher than that from ferrous glycinate. In the presence of phytic acid or zinc ion, iron transport from ferrous glycinate liposomes and ferrous glycinate was evidently inhibited, and iron transport decreased with increasing phytic acid concentration. Iron transport was decreased with increase of particle size increasing of ferrous glycinate liposome. CONCLUSION: Liposomes could behave as more than a simple carrier, and iron transport from liposomes could be implemented via a mechanism different from the regulated non-heme iron pathway.