Posted by 
In experiments, E. coli reduced iron deficiency in both worms and human cells. Human gastrointestinal tract is full of them. Anemia occurs when there is a reduced number of red blood cells or concentration of hemoglobin. The most common form of the condition is iron-deficiency anemia where the body lacks enough iron to keep the red blood cells functioning properly.
E. coli is known for causing food poisoning, when young roundworms were fed E. coli genetically altered to lack the chemical enterobactin they grew slowly and their iron levels were low. The finding could ultimately lead to more effective therapies for iron deficiency anemia. When enterobactin was re-introduced into the worms, natural growth resumed and iron levels rose.
Subsequent experiments in worms and human cells showed adding enterobactin to the diet, even without the addition of iron, boosted levels of iron dramatically. Enterobactin binds to a protein- ATP synthase inside the host’s mitochondria, drawing iron into the host’s cells.
While bacteria make this iron-scavenging compound for their use, mammals have learned over time to hijack it for their benefit. Iron pills can suppress enterobactin production and reducing absorption. E.coli has great potential for addressing iron deficiency and disorders common in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.