Increased Fe Absorption Research Articles

The Effect of FE, Guava Juice, and Cantaloupe on Hemoglobin Levels in Pregnant Women

Anemia, characterized by below-normal hemoglobin levels, is a common problem among pregnant women and can have serious consequences if left untreated. Fe (iron) plays a role in increasing hemoglobin synthesis in the body. Giving guava and cantaloupe juice containing vitamin C is expected to increase Fe absorption so that it can increase hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. The type of research used was a quasi-experiment with a pre- and post-test control group research design. The research sample was divided into two groups, namely the experimental group with the treatment of giving Fe tablets accompanied by guava juice and cantaloupe and the control group, which was only given Fe tablets. The number of samples was 18 pregnant women in the second and third trimesters in each group. The study was conducted for 1 month at Mrs. “N” PMB in Mojoagung, Jombang. There is a relationship between the administration of Fe tablets accompanied by red guava juice and cantaloupe in pregnant women, where pregnant women who consume Fe tablets and red guava juice and cantaloupe experience higher hemoglobin levels than the control group who only consume Fe tablets. Consumption of Fe tablets accompanied by guava and cantaloupe juice can increase hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. For further research, lab tests can be conducted to measure vitamin C levels in several juice formulas.

Sorbet Made from Moringa Leaves and Red Guava as an Alternative for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Adolescent Girls

Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) contain high iron (Fe) but low bioavailability of Fe because it contains calcium and tannins. Vitamin C in red guava fruit (Psidium guajava) can increase Fe absorption. Sorbet made from red guava and Moringa leaves can be an alternative to overcome iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls. This study aims to analyze the level of acceptance, levels of Fe, Ca, vitamin C, and tannins, as well as the bioavailability of Fe sorbet made from red guava and Moringa leaves. Sorbet consists of 5 formulas including, F1 (strawberry sorbet), F2 (red guava sorbet), F3 (Moringa leaf sorbet), F4 (red guava sorbet + 18% Moringa leaves), and F5 (red guava sorbet + 22% Moringa leaves). Acceptance level was tested with the hedonic method (appearance, smell, taste, and texture) and statistically analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon test. The Fe and Ca were analyzed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) method, vitamin C and tannins were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometry methods. Fe bioavailability test was performed using the inverted bowel bag method. The level of preference for each attribute was significantly different (p < 0.05). The level of preference chosen was F2. The mean levels of Fe, Ca, vitamin C, and tannins in F4 were 0.95 ± 0.14, 5.91 ± 0.73, 26.29 ± 0.13, and 135.65 ± 0.91 mg/100 g. The mean levels of Fe, Ca, vitamin C, and tannins in F5 were 0.21 ± 0.29, 6.03 ± 0.67, 46.72 ± 0.69, and 87.76 ± 0.40 mg/100 g. The highest Fe bioavailability was F5 while the lowest was F3. The best formula based on the parameters of preference, Fe, Ca, vitamin C, and tannin levels, as well as Fe bioavailability, was sorbet F5.

Pengaruh Penambahan Serbuk Daun Kelor Terhadap Kadar Fe, Vitamin C, Dan Daya Terima Coklat Kelor (Kokoa Moringa Oleifera)

Iron deficiency anemia is often experienced by adolescent girls. The Fe content in Moringa leaf powder and cocoa compounds is needed for the formation of hemoglobin, while the vitamin C content in Moringa can increase Fe absorption. Objective: to analyze the effect of adding Moringa leaf powder to the levels of Fe, Vitamin C, and the acceptability of Moringa chocolate. Methods: quasi-experimental research with Post Test Only Control Group Design. The proportion of addition of Moringa leaf powder to 100 g of compound chocolate is 0g, 10g, 20g, 30g. Statistical analysis of Fe and Vit C levels using the ANOVA test. The acceptability test sample was 25 students of the Ngawi regency government akper. Results: The results of the statistical test of Fe levels showed significant results, with a p value of 0.00 (p<0.05) The results of the statistical test of vitamin C showed significant results with a p-value of 0.00 (p<0.05).The results of the acceptability test showed that there was a significant difference between taste, color, texture, and aroma. Of the four Moringa chocolates, the most popular is the addition of 10g of Moringa leaf powder. Conclusion: this Moringa chocolate can meet the RDA for adolescents aged 16-18 years, with a daily iron requirement of 24 mg, and a daily vitamin C requirement of 75 mg.

Genetic control of iron bioavailability is independent from iron concentration in a diverse winter wheat mapping population

BackgroundAnemia is thought to affect up to 1.6 billion people worldwide. One of the major contributors to low iron (Fe) absorption is a higher proportion of cereals compared to meats and pulse crops in people’s diets. This has now become a problem in both the developed and developing world, as a result of both modern food choice and food availability. Bread wheat accounts for 20 % of the calories consumed by humans and is an important source of protein, vitamins and minerals meaning it could be a major vehicle for bringing more bioavailable Fe into the diet.ResultsTo investigate whether breeding for higher concentrations of Fe in wheat grains could help increase Fe absorption, a multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population, encompassing more than 80 % of UK wheat polymorphism, was grown over two seasons in the UK. The population was phenotyped for both Fe concentration and Fe bioavailability using an established Caco-2 cell bioassay. It was found that increasing Fe concentrations in the grains was not correlated with higher Fe bioavailability and that the underlying genetic regions controlling grain Fe concentrations do not co-localise with increased Fe absorption. Furthermore, we show that phytate concentrations do not correlate with Fe bioavailability in our wheat population and thus phytate-binding is insufficient to explain the lack of correlation between Fe bioavailability and Fe concentrations in the wheat grain. Finally, we observed no (Fe bioavailability) or low (Fe concentration) correlation between years for these traits, confirming that both are under strong environmental influence.ConclusionsThis suggests that breeders will have to select not only for Fe concentrations directly in grains, but also increased bioavailability. However the use of numerous controls and replicated trials limits the practicality of adoption of screening by Caco-2 cells by many breeders.

MxMPK6-2-bHLH104 interaction is involved in reactive oxygen species signaling in response to iron deficiency in apple rootstock.

Iron (Fe) is a trace element necessary for plant growth. Many land plants have evolved a set of mechanisms associated with the Fe absorption process to deal with the problem of insufficient Fe supply in the soil. During Fe absorption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be used as a signal to initiate a response to stress caused by Fe deficiency. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of ROS in the Fe deficiency stress response remains unclear. In this study, we have identified a kinase, MxMPK6-2, from Malus xiaojinensis, an apple rootstock that is highly efficient at Fe absorption. MxMPK6-2 has been shown to be responsive to ROS signals during Fe deficiency, and MxMPK6-2 overexpression in apple calli enhanced its tolerance to Fe deficiency. We further screened for proteins in the Fe absorption pathway and identified MxbHLH104, a transcription factor which interacts with MxMPK6-2. MxbHLH104 can be phosphorylated by MxMPK6-2 in vivo, and we confirmed that its phosphorylation increased Fe absorption in apple calli under Fe deficiency, with the presence of ROS promoting this process. Overall, we have demonstrated that MxMPK6-2 is responsive to ROS signaling during Fe deficiency, and is able to control its response by regulating MxbHLH104.

Sodium pyrophosphate enhances iron bioavailability from bouillon cubes fortified with ferric pyrophosphate.

Fe fortification of centrally manufactured and frequently consumed condiments such as bouillon cubes could help prevent Fe deficiency in developing countries. However, Fe compounds that do not cause sensory changes in the fortified product, such as ferric pyrophosphate (FePP), exhibit low absorption in humans. Tetra sodium pyrophosphate (NaPP) can form soluble complexes with Fe, which could increase Fe bioavailability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate Fe bioavailability from bouillon cubes fortified with either FePP only, FePP+NaPP, ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) only, or FeSO4+NaPP. We first conducted in vitro studies using a protocol of simulated digestion to assess the dialysable and ionic Fe, and the cellular ferritin response in a Caco-2 cell model. Second, Fe absorption from bouillon prepared from intrinsically labelled cubes (2·5 mg stable Fe isotopes/cube) was assessed in twenty-four Fe-deficient women, by measuring Fe incorporation into erythrocytes 2 weeks after consumption. Fe bioavailability in humans increased by 46 % (P<0·005) when comparing bouillons fortified with FePP only (4·4 %) and bouillons fortified with FePP+NaPP (6·4 %). Fe absorption from bouillons fortified with FeSO4 only and with FeSO4+NaPP was 33·8 and 27·8 %, respectively (NS). The outcome from the human study is in agreement with the dialysable Fe from the in vitro experiments. Our findings suggest that the addition of NaPP could be a promising strategy to increase Fe absorption from FePP-fortified bouillon cubes, and if confirmed by further research, for other fortified foods with complex food matrices as well.

Effect of iron source on iron absorption by in situ ligated intestinal loops of broilers

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of iron (Fe) source on Fe absorption by in situ ligated intestinal loops of broilers. In Experiment 1, in situ ligated intestinal loops from Fe-deficient chicks (29 days old) were perfused with solutions containing 0.45 mmol Fe/L from FeSO4 (FeSO4·7H2O), Fe-Gly chelate, Fe-Met chelate, one of three Fe-amino acid or protein complexes with weak, moderate or extremely strong complex strength (Fe-Met W, Fe-Pro M, or Fe-Pro ES), or the mixtures of FeSO4 with either Gly or Met (Fe + Gly or Fe + Met), respectively, up to 30 min. In Experiment 2, in situ ligated duodenal loops from Fe-deficient chicks (29 days old) were perfused with solutions containing 0–3.58 mmol Fe/L from FeSO4, Fe-Met W, Fe-Pro M, or Fe-Pro ES up to 30 min. The absorptions of Fe from both inorganic and organic Fe sources in the ligated duodenum were ~1.35–2.8 times higher (P &lt; 0.05) than that in the ligated jejunum or ileum. The absorption of Fe as Fe-Pro M or Fe-Pro ES was higher (P &lt; 0.05) than that of Fe as inorganic Fe or Fe-Met W at Fe concentration of 3.58 mmol/L. The absorption kinetics of Fe from organic and inorganic Fe sources in the ligated duodenal loops followed a saturable process as determined by regression analysis of concentration-dependent absorption rates. The maximum absorption rate and Michaelis–Menten constant values in the ligated duodenal loops were higher (P &lt; 0.05) for Fe-Pro M and Fe-Pro ES than for FeSO4 and Fe-Met W. The results from this study indicate that the duodenum was the main site of Fe absorption in the intestines of broilers; organic Fe sources with stronger complex strength values showed higher Fe absorptions at a higher concentration of added Fe; and the simple mixture of FeSO4 with amino acids did not increase Fe absorption.

Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by the Rhizobacterium Arthrobacter agilis UMCV2 Modulate Sorghum bicolor (Strategy II Plant) Morphogenesis and SbFRO1 Transcription In Vitro

Different rhizobacteria may regulate plant growth using different mechanisms, including production of signal molecules that modulate plant morphogenesis and gene expression. Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and is frequently limited in plants. Plants with Strategy I Fe-uptake systems enhance root ferric reductase (FRO) activity to promote Fe absorption. Plants with Strategy II Fe-uptake systems increase Fe absorption by phytosiderophore production. However, recent reports have shown that plants with Strategy II systems also possess FRO genes that are expressed not in roots, but in shoots. Different rhizobacteria trigger plant Strategy I Fe-uptake systems via emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this work, we show that the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Arthrobacter agilis UMCV2 modulates the morphogenesis and FRO transcription of Sorghum bicolor, a plant with a Strategy II Fe-uptake system, via VOC emission. We found that in a system with separate compartments, VOCs emitted by A. agilis promoted plant growth, caused an increase in chlorophyll concentration, and modified the root architecture system. We tested the effect of the pure bacterial volatile compound dimethylhexadecylamine, produced by the UMCV2 strain, on plant growth and found an increase of 1.8-fold on shoot fresh weight, shoot length, chlorophyll concentration, and lateral root number at a concentration of 8 μM. This effect was dose dependent and was comparable to the effects produced by A. agilis VOCs. Simultaneously, we analyzed SbFRO1 expression using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and found that SbFRO1 expression was strongly modulated by VOCs produced by A. agilis, specifically dimethylhexadecylamine.

Studies on different iron source absorption by in situ ligated intestinal loops of broilers.

The objective of this study was to investigate the iron source absorption in the small intestine of broiler. In situ ligated intestinal loops of 70 birds were poured into one of seven solutions, including inorganic iron (FeSO4, Fe2(SO4)3), organic Fe glycine chelate (Fe-Gly(II), Fe-Gly(III)), the mixtures (FeSO4 with glycine (Fe+Gly(II)), Fe2(SO4)3 with glycine (Fe+Gly(III)), and no Fe source (control). The total volume of 3-mL solution (containing 1mg of elemental Fe) was injected into intestinal loops, and then 120-min incubation was performed. Compared with inorganic iron groups, in which higher FeSO4 absorption than Fe2(SO4)3 was observed, supplementation with organic Fe glycine chelate significantly increased the Fe concentration in the duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05), however, decreased DMT1 and DcytB messenger RNA (mRNA) levels (P < 0.05). Organic Fe glycine chelate (Fe-Gly(II), Fe-Gly(III)) increased serum iron concentration (SI), compared with inorganic 3 valence iron groups (Fe2(SO4)3 and Fe+Gly(III)) (P < 0.05); moreover, lower TIBC value was observed for the chelate (P < 0.05); however, mixture of inorganic iron and glycine did not have a positive role at DMT1 and DcytB mRNA levels, SI and Fe concentrations in the small intestine. Those results indicated that the absorption of organic Fe glycine chelate was more effective than that of inorganic Fe, and the orders of iron absorption in the small intestine were: Fe-Gly(II), Fe-Gly(III) > FeSO4, Fe+Gly(II) > Fe2(SO4)3, Fe+Gly(III). Additionally, the simple mixture of inorganic iron and glycine could not increase Fe absorption, and the duodenum was the main site of Fe absorption in the intestines of broilers and the ileum absorbed iron rarely.

Iron Absorption in Peruvian Breast‐fed Infants at Two and Five Months of Age

The effects of maternal prenatal iron (Fe) supplementation on early Fe homeostasis in breast‐fed infants remains largely unexplored. Towards this aim, longitudinal Fe absorption (58Fe) studies were conducted in 41 breast‐fed Peruvian infants at 2 months and 5 months of age. Hodges‐Lehmann 95% CIs were used to express the effect size of Fe supplementation on differences between groups. Predictors of Fe absorption and changes over time were examined using multiple linear regression. Fe absorption from breast milk averaged 7.9% (SD: 9.5) and 12.6% (SD: 11.9) at 2 and 5 months of age. Infants born to Fe supplemented women had greater length at 2 months (p=0.01). Infants born to non‐Fe supplemented women had higher increases in hemoglobin (p&lt;0.05) and Fe absorption (p&lt;0.01), between two and five months of age. Maternal serum zinc and TIBC and infant sTfr levels were associated with significantly increased Fe absorption at 5 months (p&lt;0.05). In analyses of changes in Fe absorption, infant hematocrit (p=0.01) and change in serum Fe (p=0.03) were significant predictors. Fe absorption in early infancy was associated with infant sTfr, hematocrit, and serum iron, and inversely associated with maternal Fe supplementation during pregnancy. Funded by The Nestle Foundation.

Iron absorption in hepcidin1 knockout mice

Hepcidin, the Fe-regulatory peptide, has been shown to inhibit Fe absorption and reticuloendothelial Fe recycling. The present study was conducted to explore the mechanism of in vivo Fe regulation through genetic disruption of hepcidin1 and acute effects of hepcidin treatment in hepcidin1 knockout (Hepc1-/-) and heterozygous mice. Hepcidin1 disruption resulted in significantly increased intestinal Fe uptake. Hepcidin injection inhibited Fe absorption in both genotypes, but the effects were more evident in the knockout mice. Hepcidin administration was also associated with decreased membrane localisation of ferroportin in the duodenum, liver and, most significantly, in the spleen of Hepc1-/- mice. Hypoferraemia was induced in heterozygous mice by hepcidin treatment, but not in Hepc1-/- mice, 4 h after injection. Interestingly, Fe absorption and serum Fe levels in Hepc1-/- and heterozygous mice fed a low-Fe diet were not affected by hepcidin injection. The present study demonstrates that hepcidin deficiency causes increased Fe absorption. The effects of hepcidin were abolished by dietary Fe deficiency, indicating that the response to hepcidin may be influenced by dietary Fe level or Fe status.

Antioxidant capacity, polyphenol content and iron bioavailability from algae (Ulva sp., Sargassum sp. and Porphyra sp.) in human subjects.

Marine algae are easily produced and are good sources of Fe. If this Fe is bioavailable, algae consumption could help to combat Fe deficiency and anaemia worldwide. The objective of the present study was to evaluate Fe bioavailability, polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity from three species of marine algae distributed worldwide. A total of eighty-three subjects received maize- or wheat-based meals containing marine algae (Ulva sp., Sargassum sp. and Porphyra sp.) in different proportions (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 g) added to the water to prepare the dough. All meals administered contained radioactive Fe. Absorption was evaluated calculating radioactive Fe incorporation in subjects' blood. The three species of marine algae were analysed for polyphenol content and reducing power. Algae significantly increased Fe absorption in maize- or wheat-based meals, especially Sargassum sp., due to its high Fe content. Increases in absorption were dose-dependent and higher in wheat- than in maize-based meals. Total polyphenol content was 10.84, 18.43 and 80.39 gallic acid equivalents/g for Ulva sp., Porphyra sp. and Sargassum sp., respectively. The antioxidant capacity was also significantly higher in Sargassum sp. compared with the other two species analysed. Ulva sp., Sargassum sp. and Porphyra sp. are good sources of bioavailable Fe. Sargassum sp. resulted in the highest Fe intake due to its high Fe content, and a bread containing 7.5 g Sargassum sp. covers daily Fe needs. The high polyphenol content found in Sargassum sp. could be partly responsible for the antioxidant power reported here, and apparently did not affect Fe absorption.

Viable, lyophilized lactobacilli do not increase iron absorption from a lactic acid-fermented meal in healthy young women, and no iron absorption occurs in the distal intestine

Lactic acid-fermented foods have been shown to increase Fe absorption in human subjects, possibly by lowering pH, activation of phytases, production of organic acids, or by the viable lactic acid bacteria. In this study the effect of a heat-inactivated lactic acid-fermented oat gruel with and without added viable, lyophilized Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on non-haem Fe absorption was investigated. Furthermore, Fe absorption in the distal intestine was determined. In a randomized, double-blinded crossover trial eighteen healthy young women aged 22 (SD 3) years with low Fe status (serum ferritin < 30 microg/l) were served the two test gruels, extrinsically labelled with 59Fe and served with two enterocoated capsules (containing 55Fe(II) and 55Fe(III), respectively) designed to disintegrate in the ileum. The meals were consumed on two consecutive days, e.g. in the order AA followed by BB in a second period. Non-haem Fe absorption was determined from 59Fe whole-body retention and isotope activities in blood samples. The concentrations of Fe, lactate, phytate, and polyphenols, and the pH were similar in the heat-inactivated lactic acid-fermented oat gruels with and without added L. plantarum 299v, and no difference in Fe absorption was observed between the test gruels (1.4 and 1.3%, respectively). Furthermore, no absorption of Fe in the distal intestine was observed. In conclusion, addition of viable, lyophilized lactobacillus to a heat-inactivated lactic acid-fermented oat gruel does not affect Fe absorption, and no absorption seems to occur in the distal part of the intestine from low Fe bioavailability meals in these women.

Iron absorption and hepatic iron uptake are increased in a transferrin receptor 2 (Y245X) mutant mouse model of hemochromatosis type 3

Hereditary hemochromatosis type 3 is an iron (Fe)-overload disorder caused by mutations in transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2). TfR2 is expressed highly in the liver and regulates Fe metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate duodenal Fe absorption and hepatic Fe uptake in a TfR2 (Y245X) mutant mouse model of hereditary hemochromatosis type 3. Duodenal Fe absorption and hepatic Fe uptake were measured in vivo by 59Fe-labeled ascorbate in TfR2 mutant mice, wild-type mice, and Fe-loaded wild-type mice (2% dietary carbonyl Fe). Gene expression was measured by real-time RT-PCR. Liver nonheme Fe concentration increased progressively with age in TfR2 mutant mice compared with wild-type mice. Fe absorption (both duodenal Fe uptake and transfer) was increased in TfR2 mutant mice compared with wild-type mice. Likewise, expression of genes participating in duodenal Fe uptake (Dcytb, DMT1) and transfer (ferroportin) were increased in TfR2 mutant mice. Nearly all of the absorbed Fe was taken up rapidly by the liver. Despite hepatic Fe loading, hepcidin expression was decreased in TfR2 mutant mice compared with wild-type mice. Even when compared with Fe-loaded wild-type mice, TfR2 mutant mice had increased Fe absorption, increased duodenal Fe transport gene expression, increased liver Fe uptake, and decreased liver hepcidin expression. In conclusion, despite systemic Fe loading, Fe absorption and liver Fe uptake were increased in TfR2 mutant mice in association with decreased expression of hepcidin. These findings support a model in which TfR2 is a sensor of Fe status and regulates duodenal Fe absorption and liver Fe uptake.

A lactic acid-fermented oat gruel increases non-haem iron absorption from a phytate-rich meal in healthy women of childbearing age

Lactic acid-fermented foods have been shown to increase Fe absorption in human subjects, possibly by lowering pH, activation of phytases, and formation of soluble complexes of Fe and organic acids. We tested the effect of an oat gruel fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on non-haem Fe absorption from a low-Fe bioavailability meal compared with a pasteurised, fermented oat gruel and non-fermented oat gruels. In a cross-over trial twenty-four healthy women with a mean age of 25 (sd 4) years were served (A) fermented gruel, (B) pasteurised fermented gruel, (C) pH-adjusted non-fermented gruel, and (D) non-fermented gruel with added organic acids. The meals were extrinsically labelled with 55Fe or 59Fe and consumed on 4 consecutive days, for example, in the order ABBA or BAAB followed by CDDC or DCCD in a second period. Fe absorption was determined from isotope activities in blood samples. The fermented gruel with live L. plantarum 299v increased Fe absorption significantly (P < 0.0001) compared with the pasteurised and non-fermented gruels. The lactic acid concentration in the fermented gruel was 19 % higher than in the pasteurised gruel, but the Fe absorption was increased by 50 %. In the gruel with organic acids, the lactic acid concentration was 52 % lower than in the pasteurised gruel, with no difference in Fe absorption. The fermented gruel increased non-haem Fe absorption from a phytate-rich meal in young women, indicating a specific effect of live L. plantarum 299v and not only an effect of the organic acids.

Phytate degradation determines the effect of industrial processing and home cooking on iron absorption from cereal-based foods.

The aim of the present study was to compare Fe absorption from industrially-manufactured and home-cooked cereal foods. Fe absorption was measured using the radiolabelled Fe extrinsic tag technique in thirty-nine adult human subjects from cereal porridges manufactured by extrusion cooking or roller-drying, and from the same cereal flours after home cooking to produce pancakes, chappattis or bread. One series of cereal porridges was amylase-treated in addition before roller-drying. Fe absorption was relatively low from all products, ranging from 1.8-5.5 % for rice, 2.5-3.5 % for maize, 4.9-13.6 % for low-extraction wheat, and <1 % for high-extraction wheat foods. The phytic acid content remained high after drying of the cereal porridges being about 1.20, 1.70, 3.20, 3.30 mg/g in low-extraction wheat, rice, high-extraction wheat and maize products respectively, and could explain the low Fe absorption. There were little or no differences in Fe absorption between the extruded and roller-dried cereals, although amylase pre-treatment increased Fe absorption from the roller-dried rice cereal 3-fold. This was not due to phytate degradation but possibly because of the more liquid nature of the cereal meal as fed. There were similarly few or no differences in Fe absorption between the industrially-processed cereals and home-cooked cereals made into pancakes or chappattis. Bread-making, however, degraded phytic acid to zero in the low-extraction wheat flour and Fe absorption increased to 13.6 %, the greatest from all cereal foods tested. It is concluded that Fe absorption from extruded, roller-dried or home-cooked cereal foods is similarly low and that only those cooking procedures such as bread-making, which extensively degrades phytic acid, or amylase pre-treatment, which substantially liquifies cereal porridges, improve Fe absorption.

Phytate degradation determines the effect of industrial processing and home cooking on iron absorption from cereal-based foods

The aim of the present study was to compare Fe absorption from industrially-manufactured and home-cooked cereal foods. Fe absorption was measured using the radiolabelled Fe extrinsic tag technique in thirty-nine adult human subjects from cereal porridges manufactured by extrusion cooking or roller-drying, and from the same cereal flours after home cooking to produce pancakes, chappattis or bread. One series of cereal porridges was amylase-treated in addition before roller-drying. Fe absorption was relatively low from all products, ranging from 1·8–5·5% for rice, 2·5–3·5% for maize, 4·9–13·6 % for low-extraction wheat, and &lt;1% for high-extraction wheat foods. The phytic acid content remained high after drying of the cereal porridges being about 1·20, 1·70, 3·20, 3·30 mg/g in low-extraction wheat, rice, high-extraction wheat and maize products respectively, and could explain the low Fe absorption. There were little or no differences in Fe absorption between the extruded and roller-dried cereals, although amylase pre-treatment increased Fe absorption from the roller-dried rice cereal 3-fold. This was not due to phytate degradation but possibly because of the more liquid nature of the cereal meal as fed. There were similarly few or no differences in Fe absorption between the industrially-processed cereals and home-cooked cereals made into pancakes or chappattis. Bread-making, however, degraded phytic acid to zero in the low-extraction wheat flour and Fe absorption increased to 13·6%, the greatest from all cereal foods tested. It is concluded that Fe absorption from extruded, roller-dried or home-cooked cereal foods is similarly low and that only those cooking procedures such as bread-making, which extensively degrades phytic acid, or amylase pre-treatment, which substantially liquifies cereal porridges, improve Fe absorption.

Influence of magnesium deficiency on the bioavailability and tissue distribution of iron in the rat

We investigated the effect of dietary magnesium (Mg) deficiency on the nutritive utilization and tissue distribution of iron (Fe). Wistar rats were fed an Mg-deficient diet (56 mg/kg) for 70 days. Absorbed Fe, Fe balance, number of the erythrocytes [red blood cells (RBC)] and leukocytes white blood cells (WBC)], hemoglobin (Hb), and Fe content were determined in samples of plasma, whole blood, skeletal muscle, heart, kidney, liver, spleen, femoral bone, and sternum obtained on experimental days 21, 35, and 70. The Mg-deficient diet significantly increased Fe absorption and Fe balance from week 5 until the end of the experimental period. This effect was accompanied by a significant decrease in the concentration of RBC and Hb from day 35, which caused the decrease in whole blood Fe seen on day 70. However, WBC were significantly increased from day 21 until the end of the experimental period. Mg deficiency significantly increased plasma and liver Fe at all three time points investigated. Spleen, heart, and kidney Fe were significantly increased only at the end of the study. However, on day 70, Fe concentration in the sternum had decreased significantly. No changes were found in skeletal muscle or femur Fe content. Mg deficiency led to increased intestinal absorption of Fe and decreased RBC counts, possibly as a result of increased fragility of the erythrocytes. Intestinal interactions between Fe and Mg, together with activation of erythropoiesis as a result of hemolysis, favored intestinal absorption of Fe. This situation gave rise to an increase in plasma Fe levels, which in turn favored Fe uptake and storage by different organs, especially the liver and spleen. However, despite the increased Fe content seen in the tissues of rats fed the Mg-deficient diet, these animals were unable to compensate for the hemolysis caused by this nutritional deficiency.

Effects of intestinal resection, cholecalciferol and ascorbic acid on iron metabolism in rats

The effect of dietary supplementation with ascorbic acid or cholecalciferol on Fe utilization was studied using the metabolic balance technique, in rats in which 50% of the distal small intestine was removed, or in which the mid small intestine was transected and reanastomosed (controls). Three different diets were used. The first (basal diet) contained (g/kg dry wt): protein (casein + 50 mg D,L-methionine/g) 120 and fat (medium-chain triacylglycerols, olive oil and sunflower oil, in equal parts) 40. The other diets were obtained by adding ascorbic acid (150 mg/kg diet) or cholecalciferol (0.4 mg/kg diet) to the basal diet. Apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) and Fe retention were significantly lower in resected animals than in their respective control groups (transected rats). However, the addition of ascorbic acid or cholecalciferol to the basal diet increased the ADC and Fe retention in both transected and resected rats. Five weeks after surgery, resection also resulted in a reduced concentration of Fe in the sternum, but did not reduce the concentration of haemoglobin or serum Fe total Fe-binding capacity or the concentration of Fe in liver, testes, femur or muscle (longissimus dorsi). Supplementation with ascorbic acid increased serum Fe concentration, while the concentration of Fe in muscle was reduced by supplementation with both ascorbic acid and cholecalciferol. Neither supplementation had any effect on the Fe concentration in other tissues, on haemoglobin concentration or plasma total Fe-binding capacity. Thus, supplementation with ascorbic acid or with cholecalciferol increased Fe absorption and reduced the concentration of Fe in muscle.

The effects of fruit juices and fruits on the absorption of iron from a rice meal.

The effects of the chemical composition of fruit juices and fruit on the absorption of iron from a rice (Oryza sativa) meal were measured in 234 parous Indian women, using the erythrocyte utilization of radioactive Fe method. The corrected geometric mean Fe absorptions with different juices varied between 0.040 and 0.129, with the variation correlating closely with the ascorbic acid contents of the juices (rs 0.838, P less than 0.01). Ascorbic acid was not the only organic acid responsible for the promoting effects of citrus fruit juices on Fe absorption. Fe absorption from laboratory 'orange juice' (100 ml water, 33 mg ascorbic acid and 750 mg citric acid) was significantly better than that from 100 ml water and 33 mg ascorbic acid alone (0.097 and 0.059 respectively), while Fe absorption from 100 ml orange juice (28 mg ascorbic acid) was better than that from 100 ml water containing the same amount of ascorbic acid (0.139 and 0.098 respectively). Finally, Fe absorption from laboratory 'lemon juice' (100 ml orange juice and 4 g citric acid) was significantly better than that from 100 ml orange juice (0.226 and 0.166 respectively). The corrected geometric mean Fe absorption from the rice meal was 0.025. Several fruits had little or no effect on Fe absorption from the meal (0.013-0.024). These included grape (Vitis vinifera), peach (Prunus persica), apple (Malus sylvestris) and avocado pear (Persea americana). Fruit with a mild to moderate enhancing effect on Fe absorption (0.031-0.088) included strawberry (Fragaria sp.) (uncorrected values), plum (Prunus domestica), rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum), banana (Musa cavendishii), mango (Mangifera indica), pear (Pyrus communis), cantaloup (Cucumis melo) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) (uncorrected values). Guava (Psidium guajava) and pawpaw (Carica papaya) markedly increased Fe absorption (0.126-0.293). There was a close correlation between Fe absorption and the ascorbic acid content of the fruits tested (rs 0.738, P less than 0.0001). There was also a weaker but significant correlation with the citric acid content (rs 0.55, P less than 0.03). Although this may have reflected a direct effect of citric acid on Fe absorption, it should be noted that fruits containing citric acid also contained ascorbic acid (rs 0.70, P less than 0.002).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)