Absorption

MUCOSAL BLOCK THEORY 
  • The efficiency of absorption is increased during periods of iron need and decreased during periods of iron overload.
  • According to Mucosal block theory the mucosal cells of the gastrointestinal tract absorb iron and convert it into ferritin, and when the cells become physiologically saturated with ferritin, further absorption is impeded until the iron is released and transferred to plasma.
  • The adult's need for iron is normally low, as the iron produced from the destruction of haemoglobin is made available for haemoglobin regeneration, only about 10 per cent of the element escaping from this cycle.
Last modified: Monday, 26 March 2012, 5:48 AM