ORAL IRON THERAPY IN HUMAN-SUBJECTS, COMPARATIVE ABSORPTION BETWEEN FERROUS SALTS AND IRON POLYMALTOSE

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 15  (5-6) , 367-377
Abstract
Fe absorption was directly compared between equivalent doses of ferrous salts and a polymaltose complex using a twin-isotope technique in which each individual acts as his own control. In the 1st study, bioavailability of Fe from ferrous sulfate and the complex was defined at physiologic doses of 5 mg (Group 1: n = 14) and therapeutic doses of 50 mg (Group 2: n = 13). In Group 1, mean absorption from salt was 47.77% (SD 14.58%) and from polymaltose, 46.56% (SD 17.07%). In Group 2, mean absorption from salt was 32.92% (SD 13.42%) and from polymaltose, 27.07% (SD 6.50%). In a 2nd study, 100 mg of Fe in a chewable formulation was used to compare absorption between equal doses of ferrous fumarate and the polymaltose complex. Mean absorption from salt was 10.25% (SD 6.89%) and from polymaltose 10.68% (SD 4.68%). At all 3 dosage levels, Fe is equally available from salt or polymaltose for Hb synthesis (P > 0.20), and asborption negatively correlated with plasma ferritin (P < 0.01). These 2 materials may be used interchangeably in the treatment of patients with absolute Fe deficiency.