A Genetic Developmental Model of Iron Deficiency: Biological Aspects

Abstract

Numerous studies have demonstrated the negative impact of iron deficiency on growth and development. The present study expands on the published literature by exploring the role of genetics and developmental timing on the impact of iron deficiency on development in two strains of mice. Growth rates, organ weights, and hematological responses to an iron-deficient diet differed by strain and sex. The results from this study provided novel insight into iron metabolism and the impact of iron deficiency in C57 and DBA strains of mice. Future studies should continue to examine the contributions of both genetics and sex to the development of iron deficiency.