[Iron absorption after gastrectomy following oral application of tardyferon]

Iron absorption was studied in 35 volunteers following oral application of Tardyferon during 21 days. In 25 patients a total gastrectomy and in 5 patients a subtotal gastrectomy have been performed, whereas 5 persons served as controls. The following parameters have been determined: Serum iron, iron binding capacity, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells and reticulocytes. The following results were obtained: Serum iron is markedly reduced in the patients with total gastrectomy during the first postoperative year, increases steadily and reaches normal values after the third postoperative year. Following oral application of Tardyferon an improved absorption is observed during the postoperative course. Because of the excellent absorption of Tardyferon it can be recommended for the oral application during the first two postoperative years.