title: The use of solubility, dialyzability, and Caco-2 cell methods to predict iron bioavailability.
abstract: An update on in vitro methods employed to assess iron bioavailability is presented. Solubility and dialyzability are not useful predictors of iron absorption, whereas Caco-2 cell models provide useful comparisons on the availability of iron from different sources. Strengths and weaknesses of in vitro approaches are briefly described, including the need to characterize Caco-2 cells in order to interpret results correctly. Further developments are required to refine Caco-2 model systems, including optimization and standardization of methods.
authors.affiliation: University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK. s.fairweather-tait@uea.ac.uk
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fairweather-Tait
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wortley
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: Ray
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Glahn
mesh_terms: D001682:Biological Availability; D018938:Caco-2 Cells; D003956:Dialysis; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D019266:Iron, Dietary / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012995:Solubility
chemical_list: D019266:Iron, Dietary