[Effect of iron deficiency anemia on the reproduction of female rats and the development of their offspring].

The effects of iron deficiency anemia(IDA) on the reproduction of female rats and the development of their offspring were studied. Four-week-old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. The rats in experimental group and control group were fed on low iron or normal diet respectively for 14 weeks, and then they were mated with normal adult male rats. The development and growth of the newborn, weanling and four-day-old offspring was observed and the trace element Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Se in serum were measured. IDA made notable impacts on the reproduction of female rats with small sized litters, less living fetal rats. The survival rate of female rats in the IDA group was less than that in control group. Hemoglobin and packed cell volume in blood were lower in IDA group than those in control group(P < 0.0001). The content of serum Fe and Cu in IDA group was also lower than that in control group. Iron deficiency might cause metabolism disorders of other trace element.