An in vitro study by Swedish startup Ironic Biotech has concluded that the company’s patented, precision fermentation-derived iron protein significantly outperforms the best existing supplements.
When combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), the proprietary heme iron ingredient reportedly delivered up to 65 times better bioavailability than high-quality commercial lactoferrin (even when the latter ingredient was enhanced with the same additive). It also outperformed iron sulfate and other common iron ingredients used in supplements, such as iron bisglycinate and ferritin with enhancers, by a factor higher than ten.
Ironic Biotech hopes the protein could be used to treat patients with severe iron deficiency anemia who do not respond to standard iron pills. Currently, these patients often have to receive intravenous iron treatments, which are expensive and require both specialized equipment and trained staff. Ironic Biotech’s solution could potentially help to avoid these interventions.
According to the company, the iron product is tasteless and does not have the side effects sometimes associated with conventional iron supplements, like stomach pain and nausea. It originates from edible plants and could serve as a stable ingredient for companies manufacturing supplements or functional and medical foods.
“These results truly set us apart”
Ironic Biotech was founded in 2020 and is endorsed by the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences. The company has received grants from Vinnova and the Sten K Johnson Foundation, and won second place in the FoodTech World Cup by FoodHack this spring.
Last year, Ironic Biotech raised €1 million in pre-seed funding, and the startup is now advancing its scale-up and regulatory preparation toward commercial supply. Early collaborations will focus on intravenous iron clinics, women’s wellness, and periconception nutrition, along with performance and everyday energy formats. Applications will include premium iron supplements and fortified foods.
“These results truly set us apart from other iron ingredients,” said Dr. Nélida Leiva Eriksson, founder and CEO of Ironic Biotech. “Our protein allows supplement and food companies to use smaller amounts of iron, without compromising on effectiveness and without altering the flavor of the product.
“Our studies show that our iron product absorbs as well as iron from red meat, which is a problematic iron source for multiple reasons. We have seen significant progress in the past year, and these study results increase our confidence in our product’s commercial viability. As we move into the next phase, we are currently welcoming new strategic investors and partners to join our journey to help two billion people globally suffering from iron deficiency.”
