Effect of starvation and protein depletion on ferrokinetics and iron absorption

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Abstract
Starvation and protein-deficient diets caused marked ferrokinetic abnormalities and decreased absorption of Fe. Observations at intervals after the onset of fast and in rats fed various amounts of protein suggested that the changes in Fe metabolism were caused by depressed erythropoiesis and retarded growth. The diminished weight gain and decreased hemoglobin synthesis increased the concentration of Fe in the plasma and various body organs. Starved rats with Fe deficiency or hemolysis increased erythropoiesis to normal levels but not to values observed in unstarved bled or phenylhydrazine-treated animals. Although sufficient quantities of substrate can be mobilized for hemoglobin synthesis, a relative unavailability of precursors for hemoglobin synthesis may be important in the etiology of diminished red blood cell production. Animals attempted to re-establish and maintain a normal body concentration of Fe by decreased absorption and increased excretion of Fe. The decreased absorption of Fe was not accompanied by an increased Fe content or concentration in the duodenal mucosa. However, in starved rats increased amounts of dialyzable Fe was incorporated into the duodenum from body stores. Although the total quantity of Fe in the intestinal mucosa may be unimportant, the source and chemical form of Fe may be a significant factor in the regulation of Fe absorption.