Abstract
Summary
The hemoglobin, plasma iron, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and iron content in livers, spleens, mammary glands, and milk of mice were measured at different stages of lactation. The results were compared with values obtained on virgin and pregnant mice. There was a drop in liver and spleen iron throughout gestation. Nevertheless, the plasma iron and TIBC values were not different from the nonlactating figures. Despite a significant loss of iron through milk, there was no further fall in the body iron stores and plasma iron content during the entire course of lactation. Rather, after Day 10 of lactation, the hemoglobin concentration exceeded those of virgin females. This suggests the operation of a very effective iron-balancing mechanism during lactation.
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