Iron Deficiency in Monkeys Fed Diets Containing Soybean Protein.

Abstract

Summary After receiving purified diets containing isolated soybean protein for 2 to 7 months, young Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) became anemic. The erythrocytes were microcytic and hypochromic, serum iron concentrations were low and serum iron binding capacities were high. Iron therapy, either parenteral or oral, produced a prompt remission of anemia. Since these diets contain as much iron as other diets that are adequate in this respect, gastrointestinal absorption of Fe⁵⁹ was evaluated in the presence of soybean protein and compared to Fe⁵⁹ absorption in the presence of casein. Soybean protein caused a significant reduction in gastrointestinal absorption of Fe⁵⁹.