Effects of doses and duration of iron supplement on iron deficiency in rats.

Abstract

SummaryThe effects of 3 doses and 2 durations of iron supplement on iron-deficient rats were investigated. Two groups of 15 rats were given, respectively, a low iron-containing diet (4-5 mg Fe/kg diet) and a medium iron-containing diet (15 mg Fe/kg diet) for 4 weeks. At that time the first group was anemic and the second group was moderately irondeficient, as shown by their iron status parameters. The two groups were then each divided into 3 subgroups of 5 rats each that received the low iron-containing diet supplemented with 35, 150, or 250 mg of iron in the ferrous sulfate form per kg diet. Changes in their iron status and mean body weight was followed after 8 and 14 days of supplementation. Results showed that, after 14 days of supplementation, a dose of 35 ppm was not sufficient to normalize hematological parameters. However, doses of 150 and 250 mg Fe/kg diet normalized all hematological parameters after 8 days of diet, and corrected the decrease in body weight gain. Key Words. iron deficiency, iron supplementation, rats, sulfate iron Studies on iron deficiency in the rat often include a basal iron-deficient diet containing less than 5 mg Fe/kg diet and a. "control" consisting of the basal iron-deficient diet supplemented with iron in the form of sulfate iron (FeSO4 7H2O) at a high concentration, i.e., up to 250 mg Fe/kg diet. However, the AINC (American Institute of Nutrition Ad Hoc Committee) has recommended a 35 mg Fe/kg diet for growing rats [1].In previous experiments, we studied weanling rats fed different iron-containing diets (basal iron-deficient diet supplemented with sulfate iron) during a 4-to 6-week period and we controlled their iron status. Our results showed that the group consuming 35-40 mg Fe/kg had a normal iron status and that ferrous sulfate

Increasing intakes of iron reduce status, absorption and biliary excretion of copper in rats

“…On the other hand, Fe loading with a dietary concentration more than ten times the recommended concentration did not alter haemoglobin and packed cell volume, but raised Fe concentrations in liver and spleen. These findings also support previous studies (Dhur et al 1989 ; Kreuzer & Kirchgessner,199 1).…”

Induction of Dietary Iron Deficiency in Rhesus Monkeys: Sequential Changes in Serum Ferritin and Other Biochemical Indicators of Iron Status

“…sition of which is given in table 1 [15]. The deficient diet provided 1-2 mg of elemental iron per 100 g diet which was mainly contributed by skim milk powder.…”