ABSORPTION OF IRON IN THE BODY

Iron, ingested in the ferric (3 +) state, must be converted to the ferrous (2+ ) state
to be absorbed. This conversion takes place in the stomach, where the gastric HCL
provides the acidity to reduce the iron. This absorption mechanism is the body’s
method of regulating the amount of iron in the body. Iron that is not absorbed is
excreted through the feces.