Abstract: There is provided a composition or kit of parts comprising: one or more compounds capable of treating and/or preventing an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract: and an iron hydroxypyrone, for increasing the level of iron in a patient's bloodstream and/or treating and/or preventing anaemia such as iron deficiency anaemia. A composition comprising iron hydroxypyrone is also provided for administration to a subject: having or at risk of having achlorhydria; wherein the gastric pH of the subject is equal to or greater than about 4; or wherein the subject has an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A method of forming an iron hydroxypyrone compound comprising reacting an iron salt of a carboxylic acid and a hydroxypyrone in an aqueous solution at a pH greater than 7.

Abstract: Compositions in solid form, such as powders, comprising a mixture of a ferrous salt and a hydroxypyrone maybe used to increase the level of iron in a patient's bloodstream or to treat and/or prevent gastrointestinal infection.