COBALT AND IRON CONSUMPTION IN MAN ( A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TH E FACTORS REGULATING ABSORPTION IN SUBJECT WITH OR WITHOUT DISORDERS OF IRON METABOLISM

Abstract

A direct correlation was found between the intestinal absorption of cobalt and iron over the range of values where iron absorption is normal or increased. This observation demonstrates that cobalt and iron share at least part of a common absorptive pathway. However, in the two patients with exogenous iron overload, the intestinal absorption of iron was reduced whereas that of cobalt was unaffected. The explanation for this discrepancy is discussed.

In a total of 27 subjects a direct relationship was present between intestinal absorption and urinary excretion of cobalt. As a result of this, no difference was observed in the average body retention of this metal in the iron normal, iron deficient or iron loaded groups. Also, a direct relationship was found between the intestinal absorption of iron and urinary cobalt excretion in 18 subjects. From the observation, it is proposed that the measurement of urinary cobalt following its oral administration might provide a simple indirect measurement of the absorptive capacity of the intestinal mucosa for iron.