Iron bioavailability from an instant milk beverage containing FERRI PRO Trademark

INTERVENTION: Iron absorption from isotopically Fe labelled FERRI PRO Trademark was directly compared against iron absorption from isotopically Fe labelled ferrous sulphate in a randomized cross‐over study. An instant milk drink (250 ml) containing isotopically labelled FERRI PRO Trademark (2.4 mg fortification iron per serving) was fed twice after an overnight fast with both feedings being separated by a 3 h interval. Emptied glasses were washed twice with 25 ml of milli‐q water. Participants consumed the washings in order to ensure complete intake of the drink and the isotopically labelled fortificant. Participants were asked not to eat or drink between the two servings and for 3 h following the second administration. All feedings were performed under close supervision of the investigators. Half of the participants were fed the FERRI PRO Trademark on the first day followed by the comparator ferrous sulphate on the second day whilst the other half of the participants were fed the comparator on the first day and FERRI PRO Trademark on the second day. CONDITION: Iron deficiency PRIMARY OUTCOME: % iron absorption determined via erythrocyte incorporation of isotopic labels (57Fe and 58Fe). SECONDARY OUTCOME: Nil INCLUSION CRITERIA: Healthy, non‐anaemic, non‐iron deficient (serum ferritin concentrations are > 12 ug/L and < 150 ug/L; haemoglobin > 120 g/L. Stable body weight and normal body mass index (18.5‐25 kg/m2). Caucasian/European descent. C‐reactive protein concentrations < 5 mg/L.