Antioxidants and electrolyte profile in early pregnancy: In vivo studies

The effect on electrolyte profile following oral administration of antioxidants (vitamin A, C and E supplements in early pregnancy was investigated using albino rats of the Wistar strain. Eighty-five female rats weighing between 255-300 g were used for the study. They were randomly assigned to three study groups having 5 sub groups with five animals each, a control and vehicle group with five animals each. After pregnancy has been confirmed, the control group was administered 1 mL of distilled water, vehicle group 1 mL of tween 80, while test groups 1, II and III received different doses of vitamin A, C and E, respectively via the intragastric route for 11 days. The administration of vitamin A, C and E in early pregnancy for 11 days produced insignificant changes in serum Na+ levels (p>0.05) and a significant increase in serum Ca2+ level. With the exception of vitamin C, vitamin A and E produce a significant increase in serum K+ and Cl- levels. Conclusively administration of vitamin A, C and E in early pregnancy cause no significant alteration in serum Na+ levels. However, care must be taken when vitamin A and E are administered with agents that elevate serum Ca2+ and K+ levels as this may pontentiate hypercalcemia and hyperkalemia, respectively in early pregnancy. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.