Iron, zinc, and copper levels in different tissues of clinically vitamin A-deficient rats.

To clarify the effect of vitamin A deficiency on iron, zinc, and copper status in different tissues, three groups of rats were fed two types of synthetic diets for 52 d. Group one, which was fed a vitamin A-deficient diet, showed severe signs of vitamin A deficiency. Groups two (fed restricted amount, pair-fed with group one), and three (fed diet ad libitum) were fed a control diet. After said period of feeding, iron, zinc, and copper were measured in different tissues. Significant changes observed when the groups were compared are summarized below: 1. Iron and copper in testes were increased significantly, whereas zinc was strikingly decreased in group one when compared with the other groups; 2. Copper (in lung and kidney) and iron (in the spleen) were increased significantly in group one compared with the other groups; 3. In the liver, iron, zinc, and copper were significantly different between group one and group two; 4. In muscle, iron was significantly higher in group one than group two; 5. In tibia and blood, iron levels (but not zinc and copper) in groups one and two were significantly higher than group three. These results suggest that vitamin A deficiency affects iron, zinc, and copper status in rats.