Biofortification of Three Cultivated Mushroom Species with Three Iron Salts—Potential for a New Iron-Rich Superfood
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2022-04-04
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Summary
This research explored how to create iron-enriched mushrooms as a potential solution to worldwide iron deficiency. Scientists tested different types of iron supplements on three mushroom species to see which combination would produce the most nutritious results. The study found that mushrooms can effectively absorb iron while maintaining their beneficial properties, potentially creating a new ‘superfood’ option.
Impacts on everyday life:
– Provides a new natural source of dietary iron for people with iron deficiency
– Offers a vegetarian/vegan-friendly iron supplement alternative
– Creates potential for more nutritious food products in the market
– Demonstrates how common foods can be enhanced to address nutritional deficiencies
– Shows promise for developing more effective ways to combat worldwide iron deficiency
Background
Iron deficiency is one of the predominant nutritional disorders worldwide, affecting around 800 million children and women. Food iron biofortification is considered the most cost-effective and sustainable long-term solution. While various plants have been successfully enriched with iron, mushrooms present a promising alternative due to their excellent bioaccumulation capabilities.
Objective
To compare the effects of three different iron forms (FeCl3 6H2O, FeSO4 7H2O, and FeHBED) in three concentrations (5, 10, or 50 mM) on three mushroom species (Pleurotus eryngii, P. ostreatus, and Pholiota nameko) regarding their chemical composition, phenolic compounds, and organic acid production.
Results
The most effective metal accumulation was observed at 50 mM concentration for all species. FeCl3 6H2O was most favorable for P. eryngii and P. nameko (up to 145% and 185% more Fe than control), while FeHBED worked best for P. ostreatus (up to 108% more Fe than control). P. nameko showed the highest Fe accumulation (89.2 mg/kg DW). Iron supplementation generally inhibited phenolic acid creation, though some combinations showed increased concentrations.
Conclusion
Iron bioaccumulation efficiency is significantly influenced by metal concentration, mushroom species, and the chemical form of iron additive. The study recommends 50 mM as the most effective concentration for iron fortification. Proper selection of iron salt and concentration can produce fruit bodies rich in iron while maintaining or increasing phenolic acid content compared to un-biofortified mushrooms.
- Published in:Molecules,
- Study Type:Experimental Research,
- Source: 10.3390/molecules27072328