Nutrients Absorbed In The Duodenum

The duodenum is the first segment of the small intestine; it receives partially digested food directly from the stomach. Pancreatic juice, which contains many enzymes needed for digestion, empties into the duodenum. The duodenum is where folate, calcium, magnesium and iron are absorbed.

Folate

Folate is chiefly absorbed from green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and broccoli. Folate is also found in cereals, asparagus, bananas, orange juice and tomato juice. Folate is heat-sensitive and therefore damaged when food is overheated.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a cofactor in enzymes that take part in chemical reactions involving the release of energy and is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Magnesium is also a muscle relaxant; in pregnant females, magnesium helps to relax the muscles of the uterus or the womb. The absorption of magnesium is decreased when calcium is high in the diet; vitamin D enhances the absorption of magnesium.

Calcium

Milk, cheese and yogurt are dietary sources of calcium. Calcium absorption is enhanced by the action of vitamin D in the duodenum. Calcium is very important for the proper function of smooth muscles in the blood vessel wall and heart muscles. Calcium is also needed for strenghtening bone. Calcium metabolism is regulated by hormones released from the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Iron

The best dietary sources of iron include oysters, clams, chicken liver and pork liver. Other sources of iron include beef, shrimp and turkey. After absorption, iron is sent to the bone marrow for storage. In the bone marrow, iron is used for the synthesis of red blood cells, which carry oxygen in the blood. Iron deficiency anemia is the lack of iron for the synthesis of red blood cells; iron deficiency anemia is most commonly caused by blood loss.