The absorption of iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc in the jejunum-ileum of control and iron-deficient rats.

The effects of iron deficiency on the absorption of different dietary sources of iron were studied, together with the interactions between iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc in the jejunum-ileum of control and iron-deficient rats. In this study, three perfusion solutions containing different iron sources: ferric citrate, haemoglobin, and equal parts of ferric citrate and haemoglobin were used. In addition, the same perfusion solutions were used with and without 2,4-dinitrophenol, an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation. Iron absorption in anaemic rats was greater than in the controls, except after perfusion with solutions containing haemoglobin. The absorption of calcium, copper and zinc in iron-deficient animals was not significantly affected, while the absorption of phosphorus and magnesium increased, with respect to animals in the control group. After perfusion with solutions containing haemoglobin, the absorption values of calcium, copper and zinc were lower than after ferric citrate in both groups (control and iron-deficient rats).