| Background: Ferrous sulfate is the most used supplement for treating anemia, but it can result in
unfavorable side effects. Nowadays, nanotechnology is used as a way to increase bioavailability
and decrease the side effects of drugs and nutrients. This study investigates the effects of
nanoparticles containing iron on blood and inflammatory markers in comparison to ferrous sulfate
in anemic rats.
Methods: To induce the model of hemolytic anemia, 50 mg/kg bw phenylhydrazine was injected
intraperitoneally in rats on the 1st day and 25 mg/kg bw for the four following days. Then, rats were
randomly divided into five groups. No material was added to the nipple of the Group 1 (control).
Group 2 received 0.4 mg/day nanoparticles of iron; Group 3 received 0.4 mg/day ferrous sulfate,
and Groups 4 and 5 received double dose of iron nanoparticle and ferrous sulfate, respectively
for ten days.
Results: Hemoglobin and red blood cell (RBC) in Group 2 were significantly higher than
Group 3 (P < 0.05). In addition, hemoglobin and RBC in Group 4 and 5 were significantly higher
than Group 3 (P < 0.05). The average level of serum iron in Groups 2 and 4 was remarkably
more than the groups received ferrous sulfate with similar doses (P < 0.05). C‑reactive protein
in Group 3 was more than Group 2 and in Group 5 was more compare to all other groups.
Conclusions: Single dose of nanoparticles had more bioavailability compare to ferrous sulfate,
but this did not occur for the double dose. Furthermore, both doses of nanoparticles caused lower
inflammation than ferrous sulfate. |