The effects of zinc nutrition on the copper and iron status of the young rat

The purpose of this study was to investigate the copper-zinc-iron interrelationship at low to normal levels of dietary zinc intake. The effects of supplements of copper, iron, and zinc on growth and mineral metabolism of young rats fed zinc deficient diets were observed over a period of four weeks. Results of the experiments indicated that a ten ppm zinc supplement prevented the depressed growth and high hemoglobin levels of the animals receiving zinc deficient diets. Zinc supplements were associated with decreased liver copper and iron levels, and copper supplements were associated with decreased liver zinc levels. There was some indication that supplemental copper could cause a zinc deficiency in animals receiving marginal zinc diets. The relative proportions of copper, zinc, and iron seem to be an important factor in studying the complex interrelationship between copper, zinc, and iron.