Scientists tested a new type of iron supplement in young pigs to see if it worked better than regular iron. They gave one group of pigs regular iron and another group a special iron compound called Fe-HMA. While both groups grew normally, the pigs getting the new iron absorbed it better and stored more iron in their bodies. The new iron also helped their blood work improve and made their bodies handle iron more efficiently. This research suggests that this new iron supplement could be a better choice for pig farming and might have benefits for other animals too.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a new type of iron supplement (called Fe-HMA) works better than regular iron for young pigs after they stop nursing
  • Who participated: 120 weaned piglets (young pigs that no longer drink their mother’s milk) divided into two equal groups, each receiving different iron sources in their food
  • Key finding: The new iron supplement (Fe-HMA) at half the dose worked as well for growth but was absorbed and used much more efficiently by the pigs’ bodies compared to regular iron at double the dose
  • What it means for you: If you work in agriculture or animal nutrition, this suggests using less of a better-quality iron supplement might be more effective and economical. For general readers, this shows how scientists improve animal nutrition, which can affect the quality of food we eat.

The Research Details

Researchers divided 120 young pigs into two groups and fed them for 28 days (about 4 weeks). One group received regular iron (ferrous sulfate) at 100 mg per kilogram of food, while the other group received the new iron compound (Fe-HMA) at 50 mg per kilogram of food—half the amount. The scientists measured how much the pigs grew, tested their blood, and examined how well their bodies absorbed and used the iron. They also looked at which genes (the body’s instruction codes) were turned on or off in response to each type of iron.

This research design is important because it tests whether a smaller amount of a better-quality supplement can work as well as a larger amount of a standard supplement. This matters for farmers because it could reduce costs and environmental impact while keeping animals healthy. The study also looked at the biological mechanisms—the actual body processes—to understand why one iron source works better than the other.

This study was published in Scientific Reports, a well-respected scientific journal. The researchers used a controlled experiment with random assignment of pigs to groups, which is a strong research design. They measured multiple outcomes (growth, blood markers, and gene expression) to get a complete picture. However, this study was done only in pigs, so results may not directly apply to other animals or humans.

What the Results Show

Both groups of pigs grew at similar rates, meaning the new iron supplement didn’t slow down growth even though it was used at half the dose. However, the pigs receiving Fe-HMA showed significantly better iron absorption—their bodies took in and used more of the iron from their food. The pigs also stored more iron in their tissues, suggesting their bodies were better able to keep iron where it’s needed. Blood tests showed improvements in red blood cell-related measurements in the Fe-HMA group, which is important because healthy red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.

The researchers found that Fe-HMA changed how the pigs’ bodies controlled iron at the genetic level. Specifically, certain genes involved in iron transport and storage were more active in the Fe-HMA group. The gene that helps move iron out of cells (ferroportin1) was more active in the small intestine, while genes involved in storing iron and transporting it through the blood were more active in the liver. These changes suggest the body recognized the new iron as easier to use and adjusted its iron-handling systems accordingly.

This research builds on previous studies showing that chelated minerals (minerals bound to special compounds) are often absorbed better than regular mineral supplements. This study is one of the first to show this benefit specifically for iron in young pigs and to explain the biological mechanisms behind it. The findings align with similar research in other animal species and suggest that chelated iron might be a universal improvement over standard iron supplements.

This study was conducted only in pigs, so we cannot directly apply these results to humans or other animals without additional research. The study lasted only 28 days, so we don’t know if the benefits continue over longer periods. The researchers didn’t test different doses of Fe-HMA to find the optimal amount, so we don’t know if even less iron could work just as well. Additionally, the study didn’t examine the cost-effectiveness or long-term environmental impacts of using this supplement.

The Bottom Line

For pig farmers and animal nutritionists: Consider switching to Fe-HMA as an iron source, as it appears to work better at lower doses. This is a moderate-confidence recommendation based on solid research, though more studies in different conditions would strengthen it. For general consumers: This research doesn’t directly affect your diet, but it shows how scientists work to improve animal agriculture, which can indirectly improve food quality.

Pig farmers and animal feed manufacturers should pay attention to this research as it could improve their operations. Veterinarians and animal nutritionists may want to consider this supplement for young pigs. General consumers may care about this as it relates to sustainable and efficient food production. This research is not directly relevant to human nutrition without further studies.

In the study, improvements in iron absorption and blood markers were visible within the 28-day study period. If applied to pig farming, benefits would likely appear within the first month of using the new supplement. However, longer-term studies would be needed to understand if benefits continue or change over time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you manage livestock, track weekly weight gain and monthly blood iron levels (ferritin and serum iron) to compare before and after switching to Fe-HMA supplements
  • For farmers: Switch from ferrous sulfate to Fe-HMA iron supplements at half the previous dose and monitor animal growth and health markers. For nutritionists: Recommend Fe-HMA as a more efficient iron source in animal feed formulations.
  • Establish a baseline of current iron levels and growth rates, then monitor monthly for 3-6 months after switching supplements to verify improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness

This research was conducted in pigs and may not directly apply to humans or other animal species. While the findings are promising for animal agriculture, any decisions about supplementation should be made in consultation with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist. This study does not provide medical advice for human iron supplementation. Individuals concerned about their own iron levels should consult with a healthcare provider.