LAUSR

Abstract The homeostasis of calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) is disturbed during menopause. The present study aimed to determine the effects of Ca-enriched pumpkin on Fe status in ovariectomized rats. A total of 48 female Wistar rats were divided into six groups. One group was fed a standard diet (C), while the other five groups were ovariectomized and fed a standard diet (OVX), a calcium lactate diet (CaL_OVX), calcium lactate-enriched pumpkin (PCaL_OVX), calcium lactate and alendronate (CaL_OVX_B), and calcium lactate-enriched pumpkin and alendronate (PCaL_OVX_B), respectively. The nutritional intervention lasted 12 weeks and rats were euthanized. Tissue samples were collected, and the iron content in the samples was assessed. A comparison of all groups showed a reduction in iron concentrations in femurs, liver, hair, spleen, and kidneys in the ovariectomized groups than in the control group. The PCaL_OVX_B group had a significantly higher blood hemoglobin concentration than the control group. Moreover, spleen and liver Fe concentrations were the highest in PCaL_OVX and PCaL_OVX_B rats among the treated groups and were comparable with the control group. These results indicate that ovariectomy decreases Fe status in rats. Calcium lactate-enriched pumpkin with and without alendronate can increase Fe concentration in liver and spleen in ovariectomized rats.