Pharmacokinetics, subject satisfaction, and tolerability of a novel oral iron formulation based on naturally occurring microalgae Spirulina platensis

The study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, subject satisfaction, and gastrointestinal tolerability of a novel oral iron formulation Monurelle Ferro Naturale (MFN) based on iron-enriched microalgae Spirulina platensis. Twelve healthy women with baseline serum iron levels of 4-12 μmol/L participated and received MFN over three consecutive days. Both single and multiple dosing resulted in increased serum iron levels, with peak concentration achieved 5 hours after administration, showing a mean increase of 94.7% on Day 1 and 72.0% on Day 3. The majority of subjects reported satisfaction with the product and would use it again in the future. The formulation was very well tolerated, with only one adverse event reported—a brief episode of vomiting after the first dose that did not recur. The study demonstrated a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with excellent tolerability and high subject satisfaction.