Hydrochloric Acid And Ascorbic Acid Lab Report
1. Iron undergoes an interesting journey as it travels through the human digestive tract.
Discuss the processes that occur in the stomach (pH 2) and the intestines (pH 8) and the pH dependence of each process.
Foods that we consume contain Iron in the ferric (Fe3+ ) form. Ferric form is not usually absorbed in the body. In the stomach, there is low pH of 2 due to presence of gastric acids such as Hydrochloric and Ascorbic acids. These acids provide an acidic environment for reduction of ferric iron to ferrous (Fe2+). Ferrous iron can be absorbed in the body system. As in following equation of iron (iii) reaction with Ascorbic acid , the product is iron (ii) chloride which is soluble
2 Fe3+ (s) + C6 H8 O6 (aq) → 2 Fe2+ (aq) + C6 H6 O6 (aq) + 2 H (aq)+
After the …show more content…
The more iron is soluble, the better the chances of its absorption. Of the substances you tested, which best enhanced the bioavailability of iron?
Substance tested Amount of precipitate observed Relation to Bioavailability
1. ascorbic acid / fructose (had no Precipitate found hence one of the best in bioavailability of iron)
2. Sodium Phosphate
3.caffein (Formed the largest precipitate and hence the lease favorable for bioavailability of iron)
5. Which substance would hinder the intestinal uptake of iron?
Caffeine would hinder the intestinal uptake of iron. This is because it formed the largest precipitate when reacted with iron solution and NaOH.
6. Consider the substances you tested and the sources for these substances in the American diet. What recommendations can you make which would optimize iron absorption?
According to Mayo clinic, experts advise that we should eat foods high in iron to prevent iron deficiency. These examples are animal meats, dark green vegetable and enriched cereals/breads. Those people not able to eat meat are encouraged to eat plant based foods with high iron contents. To enhance iron absorption, it is also encouraged to eat foods that have vitamin c (ascorbic
Discuss the processes that occur in the stomach (pH 2) and the intestines (pH 8) and the pH dependence of each process.
Foods that we consume contain Iron in the ferric (Fe3+ ) form. Ferric form is not usually absorbed in the body. In the stomach, there is low pH of 2 due to presence of gastric acids such as Hydrochloric and Ascorbic acids. These acids provide an acidic environment for reduction of ferric iron to ferrous (Fe2+). Ferrous iron can be absorbed in the body system. As in following equation of iron (iii) reaction with Ascorbic acid , the product is iron (ii) chloride which is soluble
2 Fe3+ (s) + C6 H8 O6 (aq) → 2 Fe2+ (aq) + C6 H6 O6 (aq) + 2 H (aq)+
After the …show more content…
The more iron is soluble, the better the chances of its absorption. Of the substances you tested, which best enhanced the bioavailability of iron?
Substance tested Amount of precipitate observed Relation to Bioavailability
1. ascorbic acid / fructose (had no Precipitate found hence one of the best in bioavailability of iron)
2. Sodium Phosphate
3.caffein (Formed the largest precipitate and hence the lease favorable for bioavailability of iron)
5. Which substance would hinder the intestinal uptake of iron?
Caffeine would hinder the intestinal uptake of iron. This is because it formed the largest precipitate when reacted with iron solution and NaOH.
6. Consider the substances you tested and the sources for these substances in the American diet. What recommendations can you make which would optimize iron absorption?
According to Mayo clinic, experts advise that we should eat foods high in iron to prevent iron deficiency. These examples are animal meats, dark green vegetable and enriched cereals/breads. Those people not able to eat meat are encouraged to eat plant based foods with high iron contents. To enhance iron absorption, it is also encouraged to eat foods that have vitamin c (ascorbic