Zinc turnover in mice during pregnancy, lactation, and growth.

The turnover of 65Zn was examined in mice. During pregnancy, lactation, and growth, the loss of 65Zn from the body was twice as great as that observed in mature, nonpregnant animals. The results of this study emphasize the need for consideration of zinc losses in the formulation of the minimum daily requirement for zinc in humans and other mammalian species.