Absorption of Inorganic and Haemoglobin Iron in Coeliac Disease

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Abstract
Absorption from a 5 mg dose of Fe++ or Hb Fe was studied using a total body counter in control subjects and patients with celiac disease. In both groups the majority of subjects were Fe deficient. Control subjects and patients (13) with untreated celiac disease and 14 on treatment with gluten-free diet had both absorption tests. Absorption of Fe++ was reduced in untreated celiac disease. This was particularly significant in Fe deficient patients. Absorption was improved on treatment with gluten-free diet. The absorption of Hb Fe was not affected in celiac disease, indicating that absorption of Fe in this form is not dependent on the integrity of the mucosa of the proximal small bowel.