[Histologic evaluation of gastric tolerability in rats of ferritin compared with ferrous sulfate]

The gastric tolerance of ferritin has been studied in Wistar rats and compared with a conventional antianaemic product (ferrous sulphate). The oral administration of the same amount of elementary iron (10-50-100 mg/kg 3 times in 24 h) from each compound produces different anatomopathological results. The treatment with ferritin caused only a moderate gastritic process. In contrast, the administration of ferrous sulphate induced a dose-dependent progression from incipient gastritis to intense gastritis, focal haemorrhagic gastritis and focal necrotizing gastritis. Ferritin did not produce other secondary effects, and is well tolerated even at the highest dosages.