Ability of the Fe-transferring complex to transfer Fe to reticulocytes in nutritional anemia

Abstract

Using an in vitro technique the ability of the Fe/Transferrin complex in the serum of calories and proteins in chronically deprived adult males was investigated. The study included the behavior of the same function in the sera of other types of anemias. A significant reduction of the Fe donating capacity was found in the sera of patients suffering from nutritional anemia (NA), whereas this change was absent in the sera of other type of anemias. A deterioration of the iron donating function of the Fe/Transferrin complex caused by malnutrition, is postulated. The participation of this alteration in the production of NA is considered.