Calcium-rich dairy matrix protects better than mineral calcium against colonic luminal haem-induced alterations in male rats

This study compared the effects of dietary calcium from calcium salts or a dairy matrix on gut homeostasis perturbations caused by high haeminic or non-haeminic iron intakes in rats. A hemoglobin-enriched diet increased lipoperoxidation biomarkers and caused gut microbiota dysbiosis. Calcium supplementation limited haem iron bioavailability and counteracted redox imbalance, with dairy matrix-derived calcium showing improved efficacy. Correlations were found between haem-induced lipoperoxidation and specific bacterial communities. This integrated approach highlights the benefits of dairy matrix as a calcium source to mitigate the negative effects of meat consumption.

Maïwenn Olier, Nathalie Naud, Edwin Fouché, Valérie Tondereau, Ingrid Ahn, Nadine Leconte, Florence Blas-Y-Estrada, Gilles Garric, Cécile Heliès-Toussaint, Marielle Harel-Oger, Corinne Marmonier, Vassilia Théodorou, Françoise Guéraud, Gwénaël Jan, Fabrice Pierre