Comparative bioavailability of elemental iron powders for repair of iron deficiency anemia in rats. Studies of efficacy and toxicity of carbonyl iron.

The rate of hemoglobin repletion in iron-deficient rats was used to measure the bioavailability of several elemental iron powders added to an iron-free nutritionally balanced chow. We used ferrous sulfate as a standard, highly bioavailable control. Of the several powders, carbonyl iron demonstrated the highest bioavailability. Testing elemental iron powders in human diets seems appropriate.