Iron and Absorption

• Iron losses in adults are relatively small and unregulated.
• Total body stores of iron are regulated by changes in absorption from the intestine.
• Men lose about 0.6mg/d of iron and women lose twice this value due to menstruation.
• Average daily iron intake is about 20mg but only 3-6% is absorbed.
• Phytic acid, phosphates, and oxalates in cereals form insoluble compounds with iron in the intestine.
• Most iron in the diet is in the ferric form, but it needs to be in the ferrous form for absorption.
• Fe3 reductase activity is associated with the iron transporter in the brush borders of the enterocytes.
• Gastric secretions dissolve iron and permit it to form soluble complexes with ascorbic acid and other substances.
• Iron absorption is affected by dietary factors.
• The text provides information on iron and its absorption in the body.

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