Factors affecting iron absorption include:
- Tissue stores
- Decreased stored iron is associated with a decrease in hepcidin and an increase in iron absorption.
- Rate of hematopoietic activity
- An increased rate of erythropoiesis is associated with a decrease in hepcidin and an increase in iron absorption.
- Oxygen concentration in tissues
- Hypoxia decreases hepcidin and increases iron absorption, thereby promoting increased erythropoiesis.
- Dietary intake, including a form of iron ingested
- Heme iron is more readily absorbed than non-heme forms of iron.
- Condition of GI tract mucosal cells
- Intraluminal factors
