Absorption of haemoglobin iron

Abstract

A litre of human blood, of known Fe content, was given by mouth to a normal person, and to 2 patients with idiopathic hypo-chromic anemia; the Fe content of the feces was detd. by the titanous chloride method for 7 three-day periods before, during, and after the giving of the blood. It was found that of the Fe in the blood given, only from 75 to 90% could be recovered in the feces. It is concluded that a varying amt., which may be as high as 25%, of the Fe in blood, is absorbed by the human alimentary canal.