STOCKHOLM – A microbiome-based health solution designed to improve iron absorption in women has achieved rare international recognition, earning top awards across three continents in 2025. The latest honor, the NutraIngredients-Asia Award for Innovation in Women's Health, was presented in Bangkok on September 17, following similar awards in Europe and North America earlier this year. This triple recognition underscores the global significance of addressing iron deficiency through innovative, well-tolerated solutions.

Developed by biotics company Probi, the concept features the clinically studied probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (LP299V®), which enhances iron absorption while reducing gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with traditional supplements. The strain works by maintaining iron in its absorbable form and increasing the body's expression of iron-converting enzymes, leading to more efficient absorption from both food and supplements. This approach addresses one of the world's most pressing nutritional challenges, affecting over 30% of women of reproductive age globally.

"Recognition across three continents in a single year speaks to the urgent, global nature of this issue and to the promise of science-backed, biotic innovations in addressing it," said Martina Pettersson, Global Marketing Director at Probi. The awards highlight growing awareness of the need for more effective iron supplementation strategies, particularly for populations where conventional supplements may cause intolerance issues or prove insufficient.

The Asian market represents a significant opportunity for such innovations, as noted by Karen Ong, Head of Asia-Pacific at Probi: "This innovation has a critical role to play in Asia, where iron deficiency continues to impact millions of women. This reinforces how accessible and well-tolerated solutions can make a meaningful difference." The consecutive awards across different regions demonstrate the universal applicability of the technology and the shared global challenge of iron deficiency in women's health.

Norwegian aviation authorities faced significant disruptions as unidentified drones were spotted near multiple airports across the country, forcing flight diversions and temporary closures. At Brønnøysund Airport, police received the first report of a drone at 20:17 on September 30, with air traffic control personnel visually observing the unmanned aircraft flying dangerously close to the runway around 21:50. The incident prompted immediate police response and ultimately led to the airport's overnight closure.

The drone activity extended beyond Brønnøysund to affect Bardufoss Airport in northern Norway, where Norwegian Airlines flight DY338 was compelled to abort its journey from Oslo and return to the capital after an unknown drone was detected in the vicinity. The incident occurred at approximately 23:30 local time, marking an expansion of the drone crisis from major international hubs to regional airports serving Norway's remote northern communities.

Police efforts to locate the operators behind these drone incursions proved unsuccessful despite extensive searches. Morten Sorensen from the Nordland Police District confirmed that while authorities observed drones in the air, they were unable to locate any pilots associated with the aircraft. The coordinated nature of these incidents was evident as a Widerøe flight also had to divert to Trondheim after a drone was observed within the prohibited zone of Brønnøysund Airport.

Despite the disruptions, airport operations resumed normally by morning, with Avinor spokesperson Karoline Persen confirming that the last scheduled flight managed to land as planned before the overnight closures. The repeated nature of these incidents—with similar drone sightings reported at the same airport just days earlier—has raised concerns about aviation security in Norway's northern regions, where Bardufoss Airport serves both civilian and military operations in a strategically important location.