Essential metal status of rat lactating dams.

The tissue levels of copper, iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium in lactating rat dams from the day of parturition to the post-weaning period have been studied. The data obtained suggests that the metallic status of the dams is well maintained during lactation despite the heavy losses through the milk to their pups. In this period, the dam is also able to refill her own tissue metal stores, partly depleted during pregnancy, probably through higher intake/retention of the metals from the diet.