Body retention and tissue distribution of 59Fe and 54Mn in newborn rats fed iron-supplemented cow's milk

The effect of iron-fortified cow's milk on body 59Fe and 54Mn retention and selective tissue distribution has been studied in newborn rats. Six-day old rats, divided into three groups were artificially fed for 7 hrs 0,45 ml of cow's milk or cow's milk enriched with either 52 or 103 μg of Fe /ml and marked with 59Fe and 54Mn. After 4 days there was no significant difference in whole body or carcass activity between the groups. Iron added to milk in large amounts did not influence body 59Fe or 54Mn retention in newborn rats, whereas it enhanced 59Fe deposition in the liver and the intestinal wall and, to a lesser extent, 54Mn deposition in the liver