Minimize the Risks Associated with Supraphysiologic Iron that is Added to Infant Formulas

SLU ID 20-018 | Growth factors to improve iron absorption by infants

Background

Currently, supraphysiologic concentrations of iron are added to infant formulas to offset the poor absorption of iron. Supraphysiologic iron may have deleterious consequences, including altered microbiome, and increased risk for intestinal inflammation. The excess iron can also cause changes in systemic iron metabolism in the infant which may alter iron distribution and red blood cell production.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have demonstrated that bioactive compounds in natural human milk enhance the absorption of dietary iron through the suppression of the hormone hepcidin in the infant. They propose that it is possible to supplement infant formula with specific growth factors or bioactive mimetics to suppress hepcidin expression and produce a superior formulation that eliminates the need for supraphysiologic concentrations of iron in infant formulas.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Minimizing the risk of altering an infants microbiome

• Minimizing the risk for intestinal inflammation

• Minimizing the risk of adversely changing the systemic iron metabolism

Applications

Potential applications of this technology include:

• Mitigating poor iron absorption by infants

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking a partner to further develop and commercialize this technology.