Estimation of the Iron Absorption from Ferrous Glycinate-loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles by Rat Everted Intestinal Sac Model

Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) could be adopted as a potential nanovehicle for improving iron absorption. The rat everted intestinal sac model was employed to investigate the absorption of ferrous glycinate SLNs, to evaluate the resistance of the SLNs against phytic acid and zinc, and to estimate the effect of the SLN particle sizes on iron absorption. The results showed that the iron absorption was obviously enhanced after ferrous glycinate incorporation into SLNs. The inhibitory effects of phytic acid and zinc on iron absorption could be partly prevented by SLNs, and meanwhile the iron absorption could be improved. Furthermore, the results indicated that the relationship between ferrous glycinate SLNs and iron absorption was size-dependent, and the absorption increased with decreasing of SLN particle sizes. The results suggested that the SLNs could alter the absorption pathways of iron besides simple carriers. SLN could be an effective carrier to improve the absorption of nonheme iron.