The Influence of Diet on Iron Absorption

Abstract

Rats placed on a corn grit diet and added iron absorbed large amounts of iron in contrast to control groups. The histological picture was that of progressive hemosiderosis of the hepatic parenchyma and of the reticuloendothelial system. On chemical analysis, the iron content of the liver was found to be greatly increased. This supports the concept that the liver represents the chief storage organ for iron so absorbed. These data indicate that a normal block for iron absorption may be overcome under certain circumstances.

Iron Metabolism. Iron Stores in Man as Measured by Phlebotomy 1

“…In animals on a normal diet it is difficult to increase body iron unless very large amounts of iron are administered (1,11 ). Similarly, in this study the prefeeding of iron (group II) had little effect on the amount of available iron.…”

Influence of Fructose on Iron Absorption from the Digestive System of Healthy Subjects

“…(The increased Fe deposition in the organism of rats on high-carbohydrate diets [13]). The excessive intake of carbohydrates is considered a possible cause of haemosiderosis of Bantus [7].…”

The Absorption of Radioiron Labeled Foods and Iron Salts in Normal and Iron-Deficient Subjects and in Idiopathic Hemochromatosis

“…Similarly, soluble phytates may also interfere with iron absorption (46,48). Conversely, rats on a corn grit diet with added iron will absorb large amounts of iron and produce progressive hemosiderosis of the tissues (49). Studies by Hegsted, Finch, and Kinney indicate that the low level of dietary phosphate attained with a corn grit diet was primarily responsible for increased absorption of iron (47).…”