[Alkaline and acid phosphatase activity in the liver and serum during Ni versus Fe deficiency]

In previous studies on the essentiality of nickel, a reduced iron absorption causing anemia was observed. Since Ni deficiency also affects Zn metabolism, the different phosphatase activities were determined. Ni deficiency, however, resulted in an increased activity of the alkaline phosphatase in liver. On the other hand, the activity of the alkaline phosphatase was deduced by 59% during Fe deficiency. Similarly, the alkaline and acid phosphatases in serum were reduced during Fe deficiency. Consequently, determination of the activity of the alkaline phosphatase in serum, besides that of various liver enzymes, is suited well to differentiate between Fe and Ni deficiency.