Characterization of Choerospondias axillaris polysaccharide‑iron (III) complex and its effect on iron deficiency...

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional deficiency problem. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of Choerospondias axillaris polysaccharide-Fe (III) complex and its effect on IDA mice. CAP-Fe (III) complex was synthesized by co-thermal synthesis method with an iron content of 27.31 ± 0.97 %. The chelation of Fe³⁺ reduced the crystallinity, increased the thermal stability and changed the morphological features of CAP, which was evidenced by XRD, TG, and SEM analysis. The probable existence of the β-FeOOH structure was supported by the characteristic absorption peaks in the FT-IR, XRD, and Mössbauer spectra. The CAP-Fe (III) complex showed a therapeutic effect on IDA mice, confirmed by improved erythroid parameters, iron levels, and oxidative stress. The results of gene expression levels determined by RT-qPCR demonstrated that the CAP-Fe (III) complex could regulate iron metabolism homeostasis, alleviate liver inflammation, and enhance intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, the dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota induced by IDA was effectively restored by CAP-Fe (III) complex, through enriching beneficial bacteria (Firmicutes, Blautia, Oscillibacter, Colidextribacter) and depleting harmful bacteria (Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Parasutterella, Faecalibaculum, Escherichia-Shigella). These findings suggested that CAP-Fe (III) may serve as a novel iron supplement for treating IDA.