Effects of antibiotics and other agents on the intestinal transport of iron

Abstract

That the intestinal absorption of inorganic iron may be significantly influenced by certain compounds is well established. In this regard, it has been demonstrated that phytates and phosphates cause depressed absorption of inorganic iron, whereas certain amino acids, sugars, citrate, and ascorbate seem to enhance iron transport. In addition, it is widely held that histamine-fast achiorhydria results in decreased absorption of inorganic iron. Recent studies from our laboratory (1, 2) suggest that certain antibiotics can also cause impaired absorption of iron. In this presentation, I shall discuss these studies as well as more recent observations on the effect of cholestyramine on the intestinal absorption of inorganic and hemoglobin iron. The limited time available will not permit a detailed survey of all the compounds and conditions known to influence iron absorption. Effect of tetracycline and other antibiotics on iron transport