[Bioavailability of Ce-Ferro forte. Comparative iron load test (author's transl)]

The intraindividual relative bioavailability of three oral iron preparations was investigated in 9 male and 3 female healthy volunteers. After an overnight fast each of the volunteers took 110 mg Fe++ in a weak gelatine capsule soluble within the duodenum (Ce-Ferro forte) or 105 mg and 100 mg Fe++ respectively in commercial preparations. Care was taken that a 3 days interval took place between the investigations. Before taking and 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 hrs. after taking the iron capsule, blood was withdrawn into heparinized test tubes and plasma iron concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. After taking Fe++ sulfate in a weak gelatine capsule (A), the mean plasma iron increased significantly higher in comparison to preparation B in the 2nd and in the 4th hour and in comparison to preparation C in the 1st hour. The area under curve of iron increase was 531 +/- 329 (SD) after A, 415 +/- 327 And 414 +/- 390 after B and C respectively without significant changes. From these data was concluded that Fe++ sulfate in a duodenal soluble weak gelatine capsule has a beter bioavailability than the 2 other preparations investigated.