Ferritin Microbe Iron Composition Tolerability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current iron replacement options are inadequate, particularly due to gastrointestinal side effects and limited responsiveness, making it challenging to maintain adequate elemental iron levels and treat iron deficiency effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a composition of a microbe or host expressing ferritin combined with elemental iron, allowing for dosages exceeding recommended levels without adverse effects, either alone or in combination with ferritin, to address iron deficiency and alter gut bacterial microbiomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oral iron supplementation is administered at recommended dosages, then iron deficiency can be treated, but gastrointestinal side effects occur and tolerance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ferritin as an intermediary carrier protein that binds to elemental iron, delivering it to the body's iron-storage and utilization systems. This intermediary approach allows high doses of iron to be administered without direct gastrointestinal irritation, as the ferritin-iron complex is absorbed and processed internally rather than remaining in the GI tract.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical and biological parameters of iron delivery by using ferritin-based compositions rather than traditional inorganic iron salts. This parameter change transforms iron from a directly irritating substance into a biocompatible complex that can be absorbed at much higher dosages without gastrointestinal harm.
2Reliability
If high dosages of elemental iron are administered, then iron deficiency can be effectively treated, but adverse effects occur at doses exceeding recommended limits
Solution Approach 1:
Ferritin serves as a protective intermediary that enables the administration of high dosages of elemental iron (exceeding recommended limits) without producing adverse effects. The ferritin-iron complex is internally processed and stored, preventing the toxic effects associated with high-dose inorganic iron supplementation.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional iron replacement options are used, then iron can be supplied to the body, but responsiveness is limited and adequate intake is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the biochemical parameters of iron delivery by using ferritin-based compositions, which fundamentally alters how iron is absorbed and utilized. This parameter change enables both high quantities of iron intake and robust biological responsiveness, as ferritin is a natural iron-storage protein that the body readily processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising a microbe expressing ferritin or (a) a microbe expressing ferritin and (b) elemental iron, wherein the amount of elemental iron in the composition administered (1) to a subject not diagnosed with an iron deficiency disorder can exceed or is in excess of a dosage of elemental iron recommended by a nutritional authority or (2) to a subject diagnosed with an iron deficiency disorder can exceed or is in excess of a dosage of elemental iron recommended by a medical professional without an adverse effect. A method or a method of altering a composition of a gut bacterial microbiome in a subject comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising of a microbe or host expressing ferritin, with the proviso that when a daily dosage of ferritin in the composition is less than 200 milligrams/day, the composition is free of elemental iron.