Iron deficiency (ID) is a major public health problem worldwide and oral iron supplementation can be an effective strategy to treat and prevent ID. To maximize iron bioavailability form oral iron supplements the simultaneous intake of the iron absorption enhancer ascorbic acid (AA) is recommended, and the simultaneous intake of coffee or tea containing the iron absorption inhibitors polyphenols should be avoided. Also, oral iron supplements are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach in the morning and without a meal to avoid any interaction with phytic acid, another iron absorption inhibitor present in many foods. However, the effects of these iron absorption enhancers and inhibitors have only been shown on iron absorption from dietary iron (up to 10mg). Also, the effect of the diurnal hepcidin increase on absorption from an iron supplement given in the afternoon without a preceding morning dose is unclear. Whether AA also increases iron bioavailability from a supplemental iron dose and whether a cup of coffee, a breakfast or iron administration in the afternoon decreases iron bioavailability from a supplemental dose is uncertain.
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Fractional iron absorption [percent]
Timeframe: Day 22
Fractional iron absorption [percent]
Timeframe: Day 43
Total iron absorption [mg]
Timeframe: Day 22
Total iron absorption [mg]
Timeframe: Day 43