Interactions among iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the nutritionally iron‐deficient rat

Abstract

SUMMARYWe studied the development of nutritional iron deficiency 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after the intake of a semisynthetic diet lacking iron (diet 0) and the possible interactions with calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in both control rats and rats after 40 days of iron deficiency. During this period, iron deficiency was found to produce stress in the rats, as evidenced by high levels of cortisol in the serum. High levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) were also found. There was a considerable increase in the absorption of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, but the phosphorus and magnesium balance decreased and that of calcium remained practically unchanged, although there was an increase in calcium urinary elimination. Despite the noticeable degree of bone demineralization, which was evident in the femur, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium remained constant. The present study shows that severe nutritional ferropenic anaemia provokes significant alterations in the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. We conclude that these alterations should be taken into account in the treatment of this pathology, given its prevalence and the fact that it may exacerbate other pathologies, particularly those related to the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.

Consumption of caprine milk improves metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in rats with nutritional ferropenic anaemia

“…This greater digestive utilization of Ca in the anaemic rats than in the controls was expected, because the deficiency of a divalent cation, such as Fe, in the intestinal region produces an increase in the absorption of other divalent cations, such as Ca, according to Campos et al (1998). At the same time, the absorption of P increases by about 21%, because of the greater absorption of Ca, as reported previously by Lisbona et al(1999).…”

“…There was a noticeable degree of bone demineralization, especially evident in the femur (Campos et al, 1998). This study showed that severe nutritional ferropenic anaemia (NFA) provokes significant alterations in the metabolism of Ca and P. Furthermore, it was observed that, after dietary Fe was supplied for 10 days to Fe-deficient groups, concentrations of Ca and P increased in the sternum, whereas Ca and P stores remained depleted in the femur (Campos et al, 1996).…”

“…This pathology provokes haematological and hormonal changes, such as higher levels of cortisol and PTH in serum (Campos et al, 1998) and stunted growth, altered thermoregulatory function and decreased cognitive function (Erikson, Pinero, Connor & Beard, 1997).…”

The Effect of Mercury in Iron Metabolism in Rats

“…There is no doubt that iron (Fe) deficiency is the cause of most forms of anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia is characterized by the reduction or absence of Fe stores, low serum concentrations of Fe and (hemoglobin) Hb, decreased hematocrit, an increased platelet count [6], a low rate of Transferrin Saturation (TS), low serum ferritin, and a marked increase in Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC). Consequently, diagnosis of iron deficiency in most patients can be made based on the measurement of a low serum iron and low serum ferritin with an elevated Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC).…”

Effects of Citric Acid and Lemon Juice on Iron Absorption and Improvement of Anemia in Iron-Deficient Rats

“…2, we investigated the effects of repeated administrations of ferric iron with citric acid or lemon juice on anemic rats. Feeding with the F2FeDD diet for 28 d induced anemia because it decreased hemoglobin concentration below 8 g/dL (Campos et al, 1998), and then the repeated administrations of ferric iron with citric acid improved anemia, thereby preventing heart hypertrophy, decontrol group. Serum iron level was significantly higher in the citric acid group and basal diet group than in the control group.…”