Dietary ferric vs. ferrous iron in copper-deficient rats fed fructose-based diets.

OBJECTIVE

This preliminary study was undertaken to determine whether the valence state of dietary iron affects signs associated with copper deficiency in rats fed fructose.

METHODS

Rats were fed either copper-deficient or adequate diets containing 62% fructose as the sole dietary carbohydrate for 5 weeks. The mineral mixture contained equal concentration of either ferric or ferrous iron.

RESULTS

Copper deficiency resulted in growth retardation, anemia, heart hypertrophy but pancreatic atrophy. The consumption of ferrous iron resulted in increased hematocrit and pancreas size. The combination of ferrous iron with copper deficiency reduced heart size.

CONCLUSIONS

Copper deficiency had a major impact on each parameter measured. Although the valence state of iron did not protect the rats against the pathological consequence of copper deficiency it did have some positive effects. It may be that ferrous iron is a more available form than ferric iron.