Biochemical Evaluation of the Side Effects of Iron Supplementation in Rats

Abstract

Iron is an essential metal involved in a wide spectrum of physiological functions. However, excess iron is toxic because it promotes the generation of free radicals, which lead to oxidative stress and oxidative tissue damage. Vitamin E is the most potent liposoluble antioxidant and has the potential to improve tolerance of iron supplementation and prevent further tissue damage. Purpose The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of iron supplementation with or without vitamin E on body weight gain, food intake, feed efficiency ratio, relative organs weight, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit level, iron profile, liver function, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation level, antioxidant enzymes activity, total antioxidant capacity, vitamin E level and histological architecture of liver tissues in male albino rats. Materials and methods Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into nine groups (8 rats/group): Group 1: Rats fed on standard diet (control gro