[Investigation or oral substitution of iron and folic acid (author's transl)].

In a study of apparently healthy volunteers (5 male, 5 female) the bioavailability of iron and folacin was calculated using Tardyferon¿ resp. Tardyferon-Fol¿ as test substances. Blood samples for serum iron and folacin level determinations were obtained before and 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after dosing. Because of the diurnal fluctuation of serum iron and folate levels, baseline levels were obtained at the corresponding 0, 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours one week prior to the study. Serum iron and folacin levels above the baseline values and the area under the curve were calculated. The data suggested a good bioavailability of the tested substances. The folacin absorption after a single dose of 0.35 mg produced a maximal serum concentration of mean = 28 ng/ml. Twice the dose resulted in a maximum of serum folacin level of mean = 51 ng/ml. The oral administration of 80 mg Fe2+ resp. 160 mg Fe2+ resulted in a significant increase of the serum iron levels, too.