Iron mobilization during lactation reduces oxygen stores in a diving mammal
Here, the authors show that Weddell seal mothers mobilize endogenous iron stores during lactation to provide to pups, resulting in iron concentrations in milk 100x higher than terrestrial mammals. This was associated with reduced dive durations in the mother, a cost of reproduction.
Published in: | Nature Communications |
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Main Authors: | , , , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2022
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31863-7 https://doaj.org/article/4b3a53ac2a0c446bab82940e9fad80f1 |
Summary: | Here, the authors show that Weddell seal mothers mobilize endogenous iron stores during lactation to provide to pups, resulting in iron concentrations in milk 100x higher than terrestrial mammals. This was associated with reduced dive durations in the mother, a cost of reproduction. |
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