The Effects of Biofortified Cowpeas on Iron, Glucose, and Lipid Metabolism in Rats Fed a High-Fat/High-Sugar Diet

Iron deficiency anemia may affect carbohydrates and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the iron bioavailability from biofortified cowpeas in the context of a high-fat/high-sugar diet and its relationship with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Forty-eight Wistar rats were induced to anemia for 21 days, and during the repletion phase (35 days), the animals received diets containing 12 ppm of iron from ferrous sulfate or biofortified (BRS Aracê and BRS Tumucumaque) and a conventional (BRS Pajeú) cowpeas. The biofortified cowpea Aracê showed a hemoglobin gain similar to ferrous sulfate, improved crypt size in the colon, lowered insulin levels and area under the curve in the glucose tolerance test compared to ferrous sulfate (p < 0.05). Hepcidin levels were similar between the groups. The biofortified cowpeas increased the production of short-chain fatty acids compared to ferrous sulfate (p < 0.05). Both biofortified and conventional cowpeas increased HDL-c concentrations, reduced the total cholesterol/HDL-c ratio, and decreased fecal triglyceride excretion (p < 0.05). The biofortification process favors beneficial metabolic changes in the iron, glucose, and lipid metabolism.