Effects of Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate (Tween 20) upon Gastrointestinal Iron Absorption in Hamsters.

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Abstract
In 3 expts. adult golden hamsters fed a fortified bread ration containing 5% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) for 8-20 wks. showed a consistent increase in gastrointestinal absorption of a test dose of radioactive Fe (Fe59) during the subsequent 3 days. Increases in the isotope were noted especially in the cecum and large intestine, the blood, bone marrow, and liver. Concomitantly less radioactive Fe appeared in the excreta of the Tween fed animals than in the excreta of controls. This evidence of increased Fe absorption was accompanied by the presence of Fe pigment in the cecal mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes and liver and by an increase in chemically demonstrable Fe in the cecum and liver.