Pharmacokinetic Studies Highlight Metabolic Advantages of SloIron

A ferritin iron ingredient marketed as SloIron was the subject of two pharmacokinetic studies, demonstrating its bioavailability and metabolism in both healthy and iron-deficient women. The research generated two scientific manuscripts, one of which was published in EC Nutrition, and another that is currently under review.

The first trial found that SloIron produced a smooth, sustained rise in serum iron over 24 hours, rather than the spike typically seen with high-dose iron salts. Women with anemia who took the supplement for 30 days saw improvements in key iron status biomarkers; iron-regulated hormones remained in expected ranges, indicating that ferritin-bound iron works in concert with the body’s iron control mechanisms.

The second trial evaluated the impact of SloIron compared to ferrous bisglycinate in two phases. SloIron demonstrated a more gradual serum iron response than ferrous bisglycinate following a single dose, while producing comparable improvements in iron status biomarkers over 28 days in healthy women and those with anemia. Serum ferritin increased substantially in both populations receiving the supplement.

“I was impressed with the impact of SloIron on iron metabolism and biomarkers of iron health. The findings surprised me because of SloIron being a non-heme iron,” said Douglas Kalman, PhD, RD, of Nova Southeastern University and Substantiation Sciences. “The fact that SloIron moves the iron health needle within hours of ingestion and that the impacts demonstrate continual improvement and maintenance of biomarkers of iron health over time makes this an exciting option for those who need or seek supplemental iron.”

“Despite the growing need for iron supplementation, many consumers struggle with the absorption and gastrointestinal side effects associated with conventional iron, which can ultimately compromise compliance,” said Vincent Hackel, president and CEO, SloIron, Inc. “This new pharmacokinetic research reinforces the potential of SloIron to deliver iron in a form that is both highly absorbable and gentle, addressing a critical need as the global iron supplement market is topping US$3 billion, growing at 5% annually. We see an even greater opportunity to bring this technology to emerging markets where nutrient absorption is increasingly important—including women’s health and the rapidly expanding population using GLP-1 medications.”