Enhanced insulin-dependent glucose utilization in iron-deficient veal calves

J Nutr. 1993 Oct;123(10):1656-67. doi: 10.1093/jn/123.10.1656.

Abstract

Based on studies in Fe-deficient calves demonstrating enhanced blood lactate concentrations during treadmill exercise, the hypothesis was advanced that glucose metabolism is also disturbed at rest. Insulin-dependent glucose metabolism was therefore investigated in calves fed milk replacer containing 20 or 50 mg Fe/kg. Calves receiving only 20 mg Fe/kg of milk replacer developed moderate Fe deficiency anemia and had lower average daily gain than calves fed milk replacer containing 50 mg Fe/kg, but feed intake and feed refusals did not differ between groups. In Fe-deficient calves, insulin responses to glucose, based on intravenous and oral glucose tolerance and hyperglycemic clamp tests, were normal. Using hyperglycemic and euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps combined with [13C6]glucose infusions, glucose utilization and tissue sensitivity to insulin were greater in Fe-deficient calves than in Fe-adequate calves. Observed reductions in growth performance may be explained by decreased activity of Fe-dependent enzymes, increased anaerobic glycolysis and lactate-glucose cycling, adaptations that are expected to be energy expensive.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / metabolism*
  • Food
  • Glucose Clamp Technique
  • Glucose Tolerance Test
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin / pharmacology*
  • Iron / administration & dosage
  • Iron / blood
  • Iron Deficiencies*
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Weight Gain

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hemoglobins
  • Insulin
  • Iron