Higher iron pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) provides more absorbable iron that is limited by increased...

Our objective was to compare the capacity of iron (Fe) biofortified and standard pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) to deliver Fe for hemoglobin (Hb)-synthesis. Pearl millet (PM) is common in West-Africa and India, and is well adapted to growing areas characterized by drought, low-soil fertility, and high-temperature. Because of its tolerance to difficult growing conditions, it can be grown in areas where other cereal crops, such as maize, would not survive. It accounts for approximately 50% of the total world-production of millet. Given the widespread use of PM in areas of the world affected by Fe-deficiency, it is important to establish whether biofortified-PM can improve Fe-nutriture.

Two isolines of PM, a low-Fe-control ("DG-9444", Low-Fe) and biofortified ("ICTP-8203 Fe",High-Fe) in Fe (26 μg and 85 μg-Fe/g, respectively) were used. PM-based diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements for the broiler (Gallus-gallus) except for Fe (Fe concentrations were 22.1±0.52 and 78.6±0.51 μg-Fe/g for the Low-Fe and High-Fe diets, respectively). For 6-weeks, Hb, feed-consumption and body-weight were measured (n = 12).

Improved Fe-status was observed in the High-Fe group, as suggested by total-Hb-Fe values (15.5±0.8 and 26.7±1.4 mg, Low-Fe and High-Fe respectively, P<0.05). DMT-1, DcytB, and ferroportin mRNA-expression was higher (P<0.05) and liver-ferritin was lower (P>0.05) in the Low-Fe group versus High-Fe group. In-vitro comparisons indicated that the High-Fe PM should provide more absorbable-Fe; however, the cell-ferritin values of the in-vitro bioassay were very low. Such low in-vitro values, and as previously demonstrated, indicate the presence of high-levels of polyphenolic-compounds or/and phytic-acid that inhibit Fe-absorption. LC/MS-analysis yielded 15 unique parent aglycone polyphenolic-compounds elevated in the High-Fe line, corresponding to m/z = 431.09.

The High-Fe diet appeared to deliver more absorbable-Fe as evidenced by the increased Hb and Hb-Fe status. Results suggest that some PM varieties with higher Fe contents also contain elevated polyphenolic concentrations, which inhibit Fe-bioavailability. Our observations are important as these polyphenols-compounds represent potential targets which can perhaps be manipulated during the breeding process to yield improved dietary Fe-bioavailability. Therefore, the polyphenolic and phytate profiles of PM must be carefully evaluated in order to further improve the nutritional benefit of this crop.