The use of Fe59 labelled plant foodstuffs in the study of iron-deficient anemia

Biologically labelled kamote tops (Ipomoea batatas Linn.) were prepared by growing the plants in a modified Hoagland Arnon nutrient solution containing 81.89 uCi of Fe59 of high specific activity and .05 ml. of a 0.5 non-radioactive ferric chloride solution. Iron absorption from these foodstuffs and its distribution in anemic and non-anemic rats were studied. The utility of using physiologically labelled plants foodstuffs in the study of the pathogenesis and management of iron-deficient anemia was discussed. (Author)