The influence of ascorbic acid and lactose on the interaction of iron with each of cobalt and zinc during intestinal absorption

Abstract

The effect of ascorbic acid and lactose on the interaction between iron and each of zinc or copper during intestinal absorption was studied in normal and iron-deficient rats. It was found that addition of cobalt to the iron dose inhibited absorption of iron to 42% in normal rats and to 46.7% in iron deficient ones. The presence of zinc with the iron dose also inhibited absorption of iron to 34.6% in normal rats and to 32.2% in case of the iron deficient ones. The addition of ascorbic acid to the combined dose of Fe + Co enhanced absorption of iron by five times in normal and in iron deficient rats. In case of the combined dose of Fe + Zn the enhancement was four times in normal rats and six times in iron deficient ones. The addition of lactose to the combined dose of either Fe + Co or Fe + Zn corrected the inhibiting action of either cobalt or zinc on iron absorption. Based on these findings, it is recommended that ascorbic acid and lactose be added to therapeutic multimineral preparations.

Biology of Zinc and Biological Value of Dietary Organic Zinc Complexes and Chelates

“…An interaction between Zn and Fe was also observed from jejunal segments of Fe adequate rats. Addition of Zn to the perfusate reduced absorption of Fe by 34 YO (El-Shobaki & Srour, 1989). Substantial inhibition exerted by Fe on Zn absorption in men was reported by Solomons & Jacob (1981).…”

Antioxidant Defense System in Cobalt Treated Diabetic Rat Lung

“…Cobalt's insulin-mimetic properties are also evidenced by reports that can decrease the hyperglycemia of diabetic rats (I 7, 18). While cobalt as a hypoglycemic agent, it also has pro-oxidant potential and has been shown to oxidize a variety of biochemical substrates including lipids, glutathione, ascorbic acid (19)(20)(21). The purpose of this study was to determine if cobalt chloride, as an insulin-mimetic agent, mitigates diabetes-associated alterations in trace element metabolism, antioxidant defence and oxidative damage in diabetic rat lung.…”