FATTY-ACIDS OF THE LIPID FRACTION OF ERYTHROCYTE-MEMBRANES AND INTENSITY OF LIPID-PEROXIDATION IN IRON-DEFICIENCY

A high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes a nd an increased concentration of LPO products in the plasma and erythr ocytes are observed in children with severe and moderate iron deficien cy, whereas the values do not differ from the control in children with mild and latent iron deficiency. It is assumed that the excess of pol yunsaturated fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes may lead to a shorte ning of the erythrocyte Life span in severe and moderate iron deficien cy.