title: Ascorbic acid: effect on ongoing iron absorption and status in iron-depleted young women.
abstract: The effect of ascorbic acid on iron retention from a diet with predicted low iron bioavailability (containing minimal meat and ascorbic acid) was investigated in iron-depleted premenopausal women. Eleven women were depleted of storage iron (indicated by serum ferritin) through a combination of diet (5.0 mg Fe/2000 kcal for 67-88 d) and phlebotomy. They then consumed a diet containing 13.7 mg Fe/2000 kcal, supplemented with placebo or ascorbic acid three times daily (1500 mg total) with meals for 5.5 wk. Ascorbic acid improved apparent iron absorption (balance method) [38 +/- 2% (means +/- SEM) vs 27 +/- 2%]. Ascorbic acid also improved hemoglobin, erythrocyte protoporphyrins, and serum iron but not hematocrit, serum ferritin, iron-binding capacity, or transferrin saturation. In iron-depleted women consuming a diet with predicted poor iron availability, ascorbic acid supplementation enhanced body iron retention for 5.5 wk.
authors.affiliation: US Department of Agriculture, ARS, Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, ND.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Mullen
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Lykken
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.forename: F H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Nielsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001682:Biological Availability; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D009752:Nutritional Status / Q000502:physiology*; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; D011524:Protoporphyrins; C017803:zinc protoporphyrin; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron; D001205:Ascorbic Acid