Effects of Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate (Tween 20) upon Gastrointestinal Iron Absorption in Hamsters. ∗

Abstract

Summary

In 3 experiments adult golden hamsters fed a fortified bread ration containing 5% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) for from 8-20 weeks showed a consistent increase in gastrointestinal absorption of a test dose of radioactive iron (Fe⁵⁹) during the subsequent 3 days. Increases in the isotope were noted especially in the cecum and large intestine, the blood, bone marrow, and liver. Concomitantly less radioactive iron appeared in the excreta of the Tween fed animals than in the excreta of control animals. This evidence of increased iron absorption in the hamsters was accompanied by the presence of iron pigment in the cecal mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes and liver and by an increase in chemically demonstrable iron in the cecum and liver.