The Sound of Evolution
Ferrous sulfate
Mechanism of action:
Ferrous sulfate dissolves in the intestine and releases Fe²⁺, which is absorbed by intestinal epithelial cells in the duodenum and proximal jejunum through DMT1 (divalent metal transporter 1). After entering intestinal epithelial cells, Fe²⁺ can be exported to the blood side through ferroportin, where it is oxidized into Fe³⁺ during export and then binds to transferrin for transport through the bloodstream to the bone marrow, liver, and other tissues.
Reference(s):
1. Leary A et al. (2016). Pharmacokinetics of ferrous sulphate (Tardyferon®) after single oral dose administration in women with iron deficiency anaemia. Drug Res (Stuttg).
2. Conrad ME et al. (2000). Separate pathways for cellular uptake of ferric and ferrous iron. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol.