THE EFFECT OF INGESTION OF DISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETATE ON THE ABSORPTION AND METABOLISM OF RADIOACTIVE IRON BY THE RAT

Abstract

Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) was fed to young adult rats at a level of 0.1% of the diet. The effect on absorption, metabolism, and excretion of dietary iron was studied after administration of radioactive ferric chloride by stomach tube. The presence of EDTA decreased the absorption of iron and increased the excretion in urine. When EDTA was not fed until after the Fe59had been absorbed, the iron appeared to be increased in the blood and the spleen, and to be removed from the liver.