Iron absorption mystery 'solved'

Scientists say they have worked out how the gut absorbs iron from meat into the blood - a discovery they hope could lead to new treatments for anaemia.

A key protein appears to control the process in mice, the King's College London team told the journal Cell.

Mutations in the protein could affect the ability to absorb iron, they said.

Iron deficiency, which causes tiredness, is the world's most common nutritional problem. In the UK around 20% of women are anaemic.

Iron is the least plentiful nutrient in the typical British diet.

Source - BBC News