Biomedicines (Oct 2021)

Ovotransferrin Supplementation Improves the Iron Absorption: An In Vitro Gastro-Intestinal Model

  • Rebecca Galla,
  • Paride Grisenti,
  • Mahitab Farghali,
  • Laura Saccuman,
  • Patrizia Ferraboschi,
  • Francesca Uberti

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9111543
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 11
p. 1543

Abstract

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Transferrins constitute the most important iron regulation system in vertebrates and some invertebrates. Soluble transferrins, such as bovine lactoferrin and hen egg white ovotransferrin, are glycoproteins with a very similar structure with lobes that complex with iron. In this in vitro study, a comparison of bovine lactoferrin and ovotransferrin was undertaken to confirm the comparability of biological effects. An in vitro gastric barrier model using gastric epithelial cells GTL-16 and an in vitro intestinal barrier model using CaCo-2 cells was employed to evaluate iron absorption and barrier integrity. An analysis of the molecular pathways involving DMT-1 (divalent metal transporter 1), ferritin and ferroportin was also carried out. These in vitro data demonstrate the activity of both 15% saturated and 100% saturated ovotransferrin on the iron regulation system. Compared with the commercial bovine lactoferrin, both 15% saturated and 100% saturated ovotransferrin were found to act in a more physiological manner. Based on these data, it is possible to hypothesise that ovotransferrin may be an excellent candidate for iron supplementation in humans; in particular, 15% saturated ovotransferrin is the overall best performing product. In vivo studies should be performed to confirm this in vitro data.

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