Iron and vitamins.
(1) Ascorbic acid has a key role in the absorption of dietary nonheme iron. (2) Natural and synthetic ascorbic acid have the same effect. (3) Ascorbic acid has a log/log dose-effect relationship in iron absorption. (4) The absorption is not reduced by prolonged intake of higher amounts of ascorbic acid. (5) There is a very efficient regulatory system for the absorption of iron preventing the development of dietary iron overload in normal subjects. (6) Each main meal should contain at least 50 mg ascorbic acid--more if a meal contains much phytate, and more if energy expenditure is low.
Hallberg
L
L
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000502:physiology; D004920:Erythropoiesis; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000502:physiology*; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000502:physiology; D014815:Vitamins / Q000502:physiology*
D014815:Vitamins; D014801:Vitamin A; D007501:Iron; D001205:Ascorbic Acid