Effect of dietary zinc intake on the hematological profile of the rat.

The effect of dietary zinc deficiency (imposed at weaning) on the hematological profile of the male rat was studied. Lack of dietary zinc resulted in elevated numbers of erythrocytes and segmented neutrophils and decreased reticulocyte number. The hematocrit of zinc-deficient rats was significantly elevated after the first week. The mean lifespan of erythrocytes from zinc-deficient rats (tested in adult control rats) was not significantly altered from that of controls. The lack of dietary zinc did not cause a major change in the erythrocyte density (age) distribution.