Bioavailability of iron from purple laver (Porphyra spp.) estimated in a rat hemoglobin regeneration bioassay

J Agric Food Chem. 2000 May;48(5):1734-7. doi: 10.1021/jf990759y.

Abstract

Laver belongs to the genius of Porphyra and is the most valuable seaweed in the aqua-culture industry. It contains higher iron than many other plant foods. The bioavailability of iron from laver was evaluated in a rat hemoglobin regeneration assay. Reagent-grade ferrous sulfate was used as the reference standard, and the relative biological value (RBV) for laver was expressed as a percentage of the response to ferrous sulfate. RBV was calculated by two methods: slope-ratio and ratio of hemoglobin regeneration efficiency, and both yielded RBV of 26 for laver. Amount of available iron from laver estimated from RBV was comparable to many iron-fortified foods.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Assay
  • Biological Availability
  • Hemoglobins / biosynthesis*
  • Iron / pharmacokinetics*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Rhodophyta / chemistry*

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Iron