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Observed ratios of 90Sr/Ca and 137Cs/K in the food of nursing mothers and in their milk
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 June 2009
Summary
The 90Sr/Ca and 137Cs/K ‘observed ratios’ (OR) in the food intake of nursing mothers and in their milk have been determined. Between 4 and 7 days after parturition, groups of mothers were put on a controlled diet for 4 days. Pooled samples of milk were then taken from each group. 90Sr, Ca, 137Cs and K were determined in the pooled samples and in all foods taken during the experimental period. 90Sr/Ca ratios were determined in 4 experiments and 137Cs/K ratios in 3. The OR for the 4th day's intake did not differ significantly from average ratios for the whole 4 days, so that a state of metabolic equilibrium appears to have been reached. The 90Sr/Ca OR was fairly constant and considerably less than unity, but the 137Cs/K OR was greater than unity and varied considerably between experiments.
Since potassium, which is metabolically analogous to caesium, showed a fairly constant ratio between intake and excretion in the milk, the physiological behaviour of 137Cs must be quite different from that of 90Sr. The maternal organism therefore provides the baby with efficient protection against 90Sr but not against 137Cs.
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