Mineral Status of Iron-Deficient Rats

Abstract

The influences of iron deficiency to the tissue trace element levels (iron, zinc, copper and manganese) in rats were investigated. Seven rats were fed by control diet (iron concentration 128μg/g) and another eight rats were fed by iron-deficient diet (iron concentration 5.9μg/g) with double-distilled water for 21 days. Trace element levels in whole blood and tissues were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The hematological data of iron-deficient rats indicated severe anemia. The iron concentrations of blood and all tissues determined in iron-defocient rats were siginificantly decreased than those of control rats. The zinc level of blood in iron-deficient rats was significantly lower than control rats. The copper concentrations of blood, liver, spleen and tibia of iron-deficient rats were significantly decreased than those of control rats, but that of femoral muscle was significantly increased. The manganese levels of brain, heart, spleen, testis, femoral muscle and tibia in iron-deficient rats were significantly higher than control rats. It is suggested that iron deficiency affects trace element metabolism and particular consideration to trace element is necessary in the therapeutic use of total parenteral nutrition to patients with iron deficiency.