Ironic Biotech study shows breakthrough iron absorption results

Ironic Biotech, a Swedish startup developing a patented iron protein, has released new study results showing that its ingredient delivers significantly higher absorption rates than existing iron supplements. According to the company, the in vitro findings demonstrate bioavailability up to 65 times better than lactoferrin when combined with vitamin C, and more than 10 times higher than other leading supplement ingredients.

The discovery, announced in September, points to a cost-efficient and scalable solution for supplement makers and offers fresh hope for an estimated two billion people worldwide suffering from anemia. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional disorders, particularly among women, and is associated with conditions ranging from impaired motor skills in children to complications during pregnancy.

“These results truly set us apart from other iron ingredients,” said Dr Nélida Leiva Eriksson, Founder & 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.”

The study compared Ironic Biotech’s heme iron protein against several widely used iron supplements, including iron sulfate, iron bisglycinate, ferritin with enhancers, and lactoferrin. In experiments using a standardized in vitro Caco-2 model, the company’s ingredient consistently showed superior uptake.

When added to fortified milk at 100 milligrams per 200 milliliters, the protein produced approximately 60% higher iron uptake compared to milk without supplementation. “This result is just one of the many examples we have of how a modest amount of our protein can dramatically increase bioavailable iron,” Eriksson said. “Imagine people taking our proteins as they are or adding them to their favorite meals, getting the energy they need with minimal effort. We are opening up many opportunities for people to get the iron they need without fuss or side effects.”

Unlike many iron supplements that cause stomach discomfort, nausea, or poor absorption, Ironic Biotech’s ingredient is tasteless, well tolerated, and derived from edible plants. The company says its stability also makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including probiotics, gummies, functional foods, and medical nutrition products.

Iron deficiency remains a global health challenge, affecting fertility, pregnancy, and chronic disease outcomes. In the United States, fertility rates fell to an all-time low in 2024, while the fertility market is projected to reach US$8.7 billion by 2033. Iron deficiency is closely linked to reduced fertility and can cause severe anemia during pregnancy if not addressed.

Current treatments for severe iron deficiency anemia often rely on intravenous iron infusions, which require hospital visits, trained staff, and can cost more than US$1,000 per session. Ironic Biotech argues that its ingredient could help patients avoid these costly interventions by making oral supplements far more effective.

“I am excited to see innovations like Ironic Biotech’s iron protein,” said Dr Leonard A. Valentino, hematologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and former president and CEO of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation. “The need for an effective, well-tolerated iron supplement has never been greater. Millions of people globally stand to benefit from better treatments.”

Ironic Biotech raised €1 million (US$1.1 million) in pre-seed funding in spring 2024 and is now preparing for scale-up and regulatory approval. Early collaborations are targeting intravenous iron clinics, women’s wellness, periconception nutrition, and performance products, where neutral taste and high bioavailability are seen as strong advantages.

“Our studies show that our iron product absorbs as well as iron from red meat, which is a problematic iron source for multiple reasons,” Eriksson said. “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 2 billion people globally suffering from iron deficiency.”

Founded in 2020, Ironic Biotech has earned recognition from several organizations, including endorsement by the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences. The company has received funding from Vinnova and the Sten K Johnson Foundation and took second place in the FoodTech World Cup organized by FoodHack in spring 2025.

As it prepares to commercialize its ingredient, Ironic Biotech is positioning itself as a partner for supplement brands and food manufacturers seeking effective and consumer-friendly iron solutions. By offering improved absorption at smaller doses, the company believes it can both enhance public health and create opportunities for innovation across the supplement and fortified food markets.