[Effect of aluminium-hydroxide-containing antacids on the intestinal absorption of iron in patients on long-term dialysis].

In 6 patients on maintenance hemodialysis the influence of an aluminium hydroxyde containing antacid (administered to prevent hyperphosphatemia) on the intestinal absorption of iron was measured with 59Fe and with a whole body counter. Iron absorption was 3.4% of the dose administered (geometric mean) while the patients were on antacids. After omission of the medication it rose slightly on 4.1%, the difference being not statistically significant (p greater than 0.5). It is concluded that aluminium hydroxyde containing antacids do not impair intestinal iron absorption in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.