Iron supplementation on oxidative stress and colonic inflammation
This is a study done on rats that demonstrates iron as a pro-oxidant in ulcerative colitits. A few interesting notes here. First, this once again identifies oxidative stress and the subsequent use of antioxidants as a tool for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitits. Secondly, this adds increasing evidence to the concept of iron as being a not-so-friendly nutrient in higher levels. If iron supplementation is indicated, strategies to implement would be to ensure adequate gastric acid levels (needed for proper absorption), take iron along with Vit C (they bind together and increase absorption) and use higher-quality forms of iron such as glycinates and amino acid chelates.
Synergy : Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 15 (12), 1989-1999