The effect of dietary cadmium on zinc, copper and iron levels in the bone of rats.

The effect of continuous oral administration of cadium (Cd) (75 ppm) on the concentrations of zinc (ZN), Copper (CU) and iron (Fe) in the bone of rats was investigated. Accumulation of Cd in the femur was low but increased with time. After 8 weeks of Cd exposure, femur Zn and Fe levels were significantly decreased and remained low throughout the period of cadmium treatment. After 48 weeks, Cd exposed animals had Zn and Fe concentrations in the femur of 63% and 51% of controls, respectively. The femur Cu concentration was unchanged at 36 weeks but at 48 weeks it was 76% of control animals.