Role of delivery on serum iron-related parameters in Macaca fascicularis females

Few data exist on the iron status and metabolism in macaques, which are considered optimal models for the study of reproductive biology and anemia. The delivery influence on the hematological parameters of iron metabolism was investigated in adult Macaca fascicularis females during late pregnancy and at 6 weeks postpartum follow-up. No significant differences were detected for each parameter by one-way analysis of variance. A decrease of all parameters was observed at delivery. During the following weeks, however, the hematological values progressively came back to normal. In conclusion, notwithstanding the increased need of iron faced during pregnancy, a balanced diet, including iron, does not allow the development of either iron deficiency or sideropenic anemia.