[Effect of iron-deficient diets on the formation of bone tissue]

The effect of the iron-deficient diets on osseous tissue formation was studied in long-term experiments. During intense growth, iron deficiency led to a decrease in the content of hexosamines, in the activity of phosphomonoesterase I and calcium, delay in collagen maturation in the femoral bones, as well as to phosphorus-calcium metabolic disorders. Histological examination revealed thickening of the articular cartilage, an increase in the number and volume of osteocytes, islets of the proliferative osteocytes on the part of the endosteum, and a number of dystrophic abnormalities.