Iron and Zinc Status of Protein-Energy Malnourished Rats

抄録

Rats were divided into three groups and the following two types of diets were given. Group 1, 15% protein diet (control), group 2, 5% protein diet (low-protein group). These two groups, were on a diet ad libitum. Group 3 was fed a 60% amount of 5% protein diet taken by group 2 (low protein-low energy group). Iron concentrations were significantly low in blood and high in almost all other tissues of malnourished rats (group 2 & 3). The same phenomenon was observed in zinc concentrations of group 3 rats, but to a lesser extent. The results indicate that, there was accumulation of iron in solid tissues of malnurished rats in spite of negative balance in the body.