Bioavailability in preclinical trials

The amount of iron absorbed by the body per unit dosage from a particular iron source depends on several factors — particle size, surface area, ionic charge, and iron content. The first three of these factors contribute to the relative biological value (RBV) of the iron source — a measure of how quickly the iron enters the bloodstream. The iron content is a function of molecular structure, e.g., elemental iron versus ferrous salts like ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄), and is a measure of the iron percentage in a unit dose. Multiplying the RBV by the iron content produces the iron absorption per unit dosage.

The small particle size of Reolin iron contributes to higher RBV leading to high absorption per unit dose and higher iron content.

Iron source	Particle size µm	RBV %	Iron content %	Absorption
Ferrous Sulfate	N/A	100	20	20
Reduced iron	10-20	34	96	33
Electrolytic iron	10-20	48	97	47
Reolin™ iron	8.5	70	98	69

A study of iron-deficient rats concluded that, for similar iron dosage levels, Reolin iron was as effective as ferrous sulfate and more than ferrous pyrophosphate in restoring normal hematocrit levels (Table below). As a result of its finer particle size, Reolin iron was also found to be more efficient than the other forms of elemental iron, e.g., electrolytic or reduced.

Iron Source	Supplement dose (mg/kg)	Iron dose (mg/kg)	Increase in hematocrit with 2 weeks supplementation
Control (basal diet)	0	0	-2
FeSO4	30	6	4
FeSO4	60	12	11
FeSO4	120	24	22
Reol (Iron Supplement)	12	12	6
Reol (Iron Supplement)	24	24	15

Daily Recommended Value (DRV) for adult males is 8 mg/day and for adult females is 18 mg/day.