Iron homeostasis in host and gut bacteria - a complex interrelationship

Iron deficiency is the most frequent nutritional deficiency in the world with an estimated 1.4 billion people affected. The usual way to fight iron deficiency is iron fortification, but this approach is not always effective and can have undesirable side effects including an increase in the growth and virulence of gut bacterial pathogens responsible for diarrhea and gut inflammation. Iron is mainly absorbed in the duodenum and is tightly regulated in mammals. Unabsorbed iron enters the colonic lumen where many microorganisms, referred to as gut microbiota, reside. Iron is essential for these bacteria, and its availability consequently affects this microbial ecosystem. The aim of this review is to provide further insights into the complex relationship between iron and gut microbiota. Given that overcoming anemia caused by iron deficiency is still a challenge today, gut microbiota could help identify more efficient ways to tackle this public health problem.

Automated summary

Iron deficiency is a common nutritional issue affecting 1.4 billion people worldwide. The usual approach to combating it, iron fortification, can have undesired side effects and may not always be effective. This review aims to explore the complex relationship between iron and gut microbiota, potentially offering more efficient ways to address anemia caused by iron deficiency.