The effect of gastric secretions on iron attachment to the small intestine

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2> Inorganic and haeme iron attachment to the brush border of guinea-pig small intestine has been measured. Haeme iron is attached less well than inorganic iron salts. Gastric juice decreased the uptake of inorganic iron and increased the attachment of haeme iron in this system. This effect appeared to be produced mainly by alteration of pH. There was no difference in the effect of gastric secretions from normal subjects and patients with iron deficiency or haemochromatosis.