The aim of this study was to assess whether non-heme iron absorption was promoted by the simultaneous intake of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (9 or 10 billion CFU). The 21 study participants - healthy women of reproductive age - were given a fruit drink with iron isotopes that were labelled and then measured with whole body counting and in blood. The study was separated into 2 trials: Trial 1 compared an iron control drink with a drink that contained iron and 9 billion CFU; while trial 2 compared the control iron drink with one that contained iron and 10 billion CFU. The result of the study demonstrates that L. plantarum 299v enhances iron absorption when administered together. Specifically, when combining the results of both trials the mean iron absorption with the added L. plantarum 299v was significantly higher than the control drink iron absorption (p<0.004). Trials 1 and 2 did not differ significantly (p<0.941) nor did the iron absorption from the two control drinks in trials 1 and 2 (P<0.557).