In vitro studies of iron bioavailability

The bioavailability of iron from foods is ultimately determined by interactions between iron and other components in the digestive milieu. Perhaps the most important factor is the concentration of Fe2+ during transit through the duodenum. During in vitro simulations of human digestion it is possible to probe the concentration of Fe2+, the rate of Fe2+ formation, and total iron concentration using ferrous chromogens. It is crucial, of course, that the chromogen not interfere with the redox reactions occurring during digestion. Accordingly, ferrozine was examined with regard to its ability to reduce complexes Fe3+, alter rates of Fe3+ production, detect Fe2+ present in the digestive mixture and differentiate the effects of chelating and reducing agents in the mobilization of iron from pinto beans. The chromogen was found to be free from apparent artefacts and to be a sensitive and reproducible probe of the state of iron in digestive mixtures.