Ferrous Ascorbate Nicotinate: A New Form of the Essential Trace Element Fe against Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

In this work, a triple chelated mixed ligand complex of Fe with ascorbic and nicotinic acids was synthesized for the first time. The synthesis method was optimized and the optical properties as well as the stability of the resulting complex were studied. It was found that variation of technological parameters has no practically effect on physico-chemical properties of the complex, which is important during heat treatment for fortification of milk and dairy products. The optimal model of the coordination of Fe atom with ascorbic and nicotinic acids was determined using quantum chemical modelling. The data were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The physico-chemical and sensory properties of fermented milk product fortified with developed complex were investigated. It is important to note that the complex introduction did not significantly affect the studied parameters. In vivo tests in white rats model revealed that the complex has no pathological effects in blood parameters. At the same time, a dose-dependent increase in Fe concentration in rat’s blood was detected with an increase in the dose of the complex. Finally, workload test on white rats showed an increase in endurance with an increase in the complex concentration. This fact is presumably related to the functional properties of Fe in red blood cells to transport oxygen.