Inadequate Copper Intake Reduces Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Bone Strength in Growing Rats Fed Graded Amounts of Copper and Zinc

This study examined the effects of graded intakes of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) on serum insulin-like growth-factor-I (IGF-I) concentration and bone quality in growing rats. Using a 3 x 4 factorial design, weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 12 groups (n = 7 per group) and were fed one of nine modified AIN-93G basal diets with varying amounts of Cu (0.3, 3 and 10 micro g/g) and Zn (5, 15 and 45 micro g/g) for 6 wk. A group...