Premium
Application of magnetic sector thermal ionization mass spectrometry to studies of erythrocyte iron incorporation in small children
Author(s) -
Abrams Steven A.,
Wen Jianping,
O'Brien Kimberly O.,
Stuff Janice E.,
Liang Lily K.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
biological mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.475
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9888
pISSN - 1052-9306
DOI - 10.1002/bms.1200231209
Subject(s) - radiochemistry , isotope , ferrous , mass spectrometry , chemistry , thermal ionization , ascorbic acid , ionization , chromatography , ion , physics , food science , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , electron ionization
The optimal evaluation of iron metabolism requires the administration of two isotopes of iron. However, high‐precision measurement of isotopic ratios from blood samples obtained after administration of two stable isotopes of iron to human subjects has not previously been reported. Using a cation‐exchange system to isolate iron from blood samples, we found that high‐precision (<0.2%) measurements of 58 Fe/ 56 Fe and 57 Fe/ 56 Fe could be performed using magnetic sector thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Clinical studies in four 1‐year‐old infants showed that this technique could be used to demonstrate a lower rate of iron absorption in small children given an iron supplement ( 57 Fe) with milk compared to those given iron ( 58 Fe and ferrous sulfate) with ascorbic acid. This technique will enable the evaluation of iron metabolism in populations in whom the use of radioactive iron tracers is not appropriate.