Effect of Histidine and Ascorbic Acid on the Absorption and Retention of 59Fe by Iron-depleted Rats

Abstract

The effect of histidine and ascorbic acid on the retention of a single oral dose of ⁵⁹Fe by iron-depleted rats was determined by counting radio-activity of the rats in a “whole-body” counter. Histidine increased ⁵⁹Fe retention if the ⁵⁹Fe and histidine were mixed together prior to administering them to the rats; however, if histidine was fed and ³⁹FeCl₂ was administered 24 hours later by stomach tube, ⁵⁹Fe retention did not increase. Ascorbic acid increased ⁵⁹Fe retention either when it was mixed with the ⁵⁹Fe or when it was added to the diet.