Fatty acids of the lipid fraction of erythrocyte membranes and intensity of lipid peroxidation in iron deficiency

Abstract

A high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes and an increased concentration of LPO products in the plasma and erythrocytes are observed in children with severe and moderate iron deficiency, whereas the values do not differ from the control in children with mild and latent iron deficiency. It is assumed that the excess of polyunsaturated fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes may lead to a shortening of the erythrocyte life span in severe and moderate iron deficiency.