Effect of a High Level of Dietary Iron on Trace Mineral Status in Pregnant Rats and Fetuses

Abstract

Sixteen female Wistar rats ages 46 days old were divided into 2 treatment groups; control group (fed 35 mg/kg iron) and high iron group (fed 1000 mg/kg iron). The rats were mated and killed on gestation day 20. There were no significant differences in maternal daily gain and tissue weight and fetal number between the treatment groups. The fetal weight of the high iron group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The high level of dietary iron significantly increased the iron concentrations in maternal tissues and fetuses. The concentrations of selenium and manganese in maternal livers and zinc m maternal femurs and the contents of selenium, manganese and zinc in fetuses were significantly decreased by the high level of dietary iron. These results indicated that the deposition of selenium, manganese and zinc in maternal tissues and the transfer of the minerals to fetuses are decreased when the concentration of iron in diet is high.