Reply to H Jang and M Jeon

Clinical Nutrition–Department of Metabolism and Cardiovascular Research
The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University
S-405 30 Gothenburg
Sweden
E-mail: lena.hulthen{at}medfak.gu.se

Dear Sir:

We sincerely thank Jang and Jeon for their interest and comments concerning our published article on an algorithm for calculating iron absorption.

When, after reading the comments by Jang and Jeon, checking the published equation (1), we unfortunately discovered that it differed from the equation we usually use when individualizing iron absorption. So, as correctly pointed out, an error has slipped into the printed equation for adjusting for iron status. The correct equation (Equation 11) should be as follows:

Because of this error, we thoroughly checked the other published equations in the article. Unfortunately, we discovered yet another error, this time concerning the equation for the calcium effect (Equation 5). The correct equation for calculating the expected iron absorption ratio set when calcium is present should read as follows:

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors had no conflicts of interest to report.

REFERENCE

1. Hallberg L, Hulthen L. Prediction of dietary iron absorption: an algorithm for calculating absorption and bioavailability of dietary iron. Am J Clin Nutr2000; 71 :1147 –60.