Iron Absorption in Rats Increased by Yeast Glucan

Abstract

  The effects of brewer's yeast cell walls and two of its components, glucan and mannan, on the absorption of ⁵⁹Fe by anemic rats were investigated. After administration of the label, the percentage of ⁵⁹Fe taken up into the blood of group given glucan was generally similar to that of a group given yeast cell walls, both values were higher than in controls. The incorporation of ⁵⁹Fe into the small intestines was higher in the group given glucan than in the controls or a group given a glucan—mannan mixture. Glucan is the main substance in yeast cell walls that increases iron absorption.