Compositions and methods for increasing iron intake in a mammal

Compositions containing iron, buffering agent and denatured protein have been prepared that are capable of increasing serum iron in a subject. For example, spray dried microbeads have been prepared containing iron entrapped within a protein matrix and unbound iron in a buffered composition that provides a gastroprotective effect, preserves iron in the more available Fe2+ form and improves iron bioavailability in humans relative to previously known vehicles for delivering iron to a subject.