摘要Iron is a fundamental trace element essential for the immune system,and current research on iron(Fe)supplements is increasingly focusing on food-derived peptides capable of binding iron ions.The objectives of this study were to characterize the iron-chelating peptide(Mytilus edulis protein hydrolysate,MEPH)derived from M.edulis and to investigate the effects of MEPH-Fe complexes on mice with iron deficiency-induced iron deficiency anemia(IDA).MEPH and iron(Ⅱ)sulfate heptahydrate successfully formed MEPH-Fe complexes under conditions of 4.5 mg/mL of concentration,45℃,60 min of incubation,and utilizing both carboxyl and amino binding sites.Compared to MEPH alone,the MEPH-Fe complexes exhibited fluorescence quenching,ultraviolet shifts,reduced X-ray diffraction(XRD)peak intensities,stabilization during in vitro digestion,microstructural changes,increased particle size,and decreased absolute values of Zeta potential.In the IDA mouse model,the MEPH-Fe complexes were able to restore body weight,hematological indices,organ coefficients,iron content in organs,and antioxidant capacity to normal levels.Additionally,they demonstrated beneficial effects on IDA-induced colonic inflammation by normalizing tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and interleukin-10(IL-10)levels.The results indicated that MEPH-Fe complexes had more positive effects on IDA mice compared to ferrous sulfate.In conclusion,this study provides valuable insights into the potential of MEPH-Fe complexes as iron supplements.