The integrity of the stomach as a requirement for maximal iron absorption

An evaluation of the role of the stomach in iron absorption following hemorrhage or hemolysis has been undertaken in rats. Whereas total gastrectomy was not followed by a significant increase in the absorption of Fe⁵⁹ over controls after hemorrhage or hemolysis, the sham operation was followed by increased Fe⁵⁹ absorption. The stomach, or part of it, then appeared necessary for maximal absorption of Fe⁵⁹. It further appeared likely that the failure of Fe⁵⁹ absorption to rise under the above circumstances was not related simply to disturbance of anatomical continuity, but rather to a lack of a constituent of gastric juice which was able to potentiate iron absorption under conditions of increased demand as gastric freezing also abolished the maximal response after bleeding.