From:  Microbiota and iron metabolism

 Consumption of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in different types of iron deficiency and their effects on iron status

Type of iron deficiencyProbiotic strain/Prebiotic typeReported effect
Impaired iron absorptionLactobacillus plantarum FS2↑ iron bioavailability by 128–372% [57]
Low iron bioavailabilityBifidobacterium bifidum, B. longum↑ iron absorption [41]
IDAL. plantarum 299v↑ iron absorption [58, 59]
IDAStreptococcus thermophilus↑ iron uptake and utilization (improved hemoglobin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin) [60]
IDAL. fermentumDelivers iron nanoparticles to enterocytes, ensuring adequate iron uptake [61]
IDAL. acidophilus↑ serum ferritin and ↑ iron absorption [62]
IDAL. plantarum 299v + iron + vitamin C↑ blood iron levels [63]
IDAL. plantarum Dad 13No difference in iron status or gut microbiota profile [49]
Iron metabolism disorders associated with obesityMultistrain probiotic (B. bifidum W23, B. lactis W51/W52, L. acidophilus W37, L. brevis W63, etc.)May affect iron metabolism in postmenopausal women with obesity; further research is required [51]
Menorrhagia-related anemiaL. plantarum 299v + iron↑ iron absorption [64]
IDAGOS + inulinImproved immune function in iron-deficient women [65]
IDAFOS and GOS↑ iron bioavailability [66]
IDAInulin↑ iron sulfate bioavailability; ↓ calcium absorption [67]
IDAGOS↑ iron absorption [68]
IDAInulin + oligofructose↑ DMT1 expression in the cecum, ↓ ferroportin expression in the duodenum, supports intestinal iron regulation [69]
Celiac disease-associated anemiaInulin enriched with oligofructose↓ serum hepcidin; ↑ iron absorption [70]
IDAB. lactis HN019 + oligosaccharides↓ risk of anemia and iron deficiency [71]
IDAB. bifidum, B. longum + GOS↑ iron absorption [42]

+: and; ↑: increase; ↓: decrease; DMT1: divalent metal transporter 1; FOS: fructooligosaccharides; GOS: galactooligosaccharides; IDA: iron deficiency anemia