New research confirms the performance of Lubrizol’s (Booth 4523) microencapsulated iron ingredient Lipofer in comparison to traditional iron sources. The in vivo study, which evaluated iron bioavailability and gastrointestinal tolerability in iron-deficient rats, found that Lubrizol’s proprietary formulation significantly outperformed conventional options, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous bisglycinate, and other encapsulated iron salts.

Lubrizol’s orosoluble iron is a highly concentrated, micronized, and microencapsulated iron source designed specifically to reduce the associated side effects of iron supplementation while delivering a fully absorbable mineral that is significantly easier and pleasant to digest.

Packaging the active ingredient in this protective matrix ensures its stability and controlled release in the GI tract for maximum absorption. Moreover, this technique enhances the sensory aspect and improves its overall tolerability due to the ability to reduce interactions of non-absorbed iron with gastrointestinal mucosa and possibly gut microbiota.

Lipofer microcapsules also contain lecithin, which helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively by integrating with the fats in cell membranes. In addition, the tiny iron particles in Lipofer have a larger surface area, which also improves absorption and allows the iron to reach the intestine without causing side effects.

The Lipofer study, published July 2025 in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, was an animal study designed and led by Roger Marineé-Casadó, PhD, which revealed the ingredient’s high level of effectiveness in reversing iron deficiency anemia within 14 days, while also being gentle on the stomach, as measured by markers of gastrointestinal side effects, the company said.

“The microencapsulation matrix we’ve developed ensures that iron is delivered in a controlled manner,” said Isabel Gómez, global marketing manager for Lubrizol Nutraceuticals. “This not only improves tolerability but also enhances the bioavailability of the mineral, as confirmed by the study’s hematological and biochemical markers. This study reinforces our commitment to developing science-driven, consumer-preferred solutions that address real nutritional challenges. Iron deficiency continues to affect billions globally, and our microencapsulated iron ingredient offers a breakthrough in both efficacy and comfort.”

Following three months of supplementation, Lipofer demonstrated superior outcomes in boosting hemoglobin levels as well as in improving the body’s iron stores, as compared to other iron sources. The group supplementing with Lipofer microcapsules exhibited enhanced systemic absorption, as indicated by favorable changes in transferrin, (the protein that carries iron in the blood), as well as in total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).

The Lipofer-supplemented subjects also showed no signs of gastrointestinal irritation or increased colon permeability across multiple assessments, even after prolonged administration. This was concluded through macroscopic examination of gut tissue, expression of the gut barrier’s mucus proteins, and inflammation-related signals.