Efficacy of iron repletion in anemic rats after the feeding of a purified or natural-ingredient diet with ferrous sulphate or carbonyl iron

Abstract

We examined, in rats with iron-deficiency induced anemia, the bioavailability of iron from carbonyl iron versus ferrous sulphate that was incorporated into either a purified or natural-ingredient diet. Various assessments of iron bioavailability were used. Hemoglobin (Hb) values and Hb regeneration efficiency (HRE) after 7 days were higher when ferrous sulphate was given instead of carbonyl iron. After 15 days, there was no longer an effect of supplemental iron source, but now the purified diet produced higher Hb values than did the natural-ingredient diet. After 7 days of repletion, the feeding of the purified diet, when compared to the naturalingredient diet, resulted in higher plasma iron and transferrin saturation values. Apparent iron absorption values were higher with the purified diet. It is concluded that carbonyl iron was less effective than ferrous sulphate in the regeneration of Hb in anemic rats, but this was seen only after 7 days of iron repletion. The diet composition had effects irrespective of the source of supplemental iron. The purified diet, when compared with the naturalingredient diet, further improved the hematological parameters of iron status, raised apparent iron absorption and elevated liver iron mass.