Zinc deficiency in pregnant female albino rats may adversely affect birth weight of litters

Abstract

Zinc deficiency during pregnancy may cause intra-uterine growth retardation in rats.

The present study was carried out in albino rats to substantiate the reports on zinc deficiency - effects. Female albino rats were divided into two groups of pregnant and non-pregnant rats. Pregnant rats were further divided into zinc treated (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. Blood samples were withdrawn on the day of conception and on the day of delivery from pregnant rats and on day 21 from non-pregnant rats.

Serum zinc levels were estimated by G.B.C. 902 double beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data was analysed by Student's 't' test.

Following zinc therapy, serum zinc levels increased significantly (p<0.001). The mean birthweight of litters in zinc- treated dams was significantly higher than that in zinc-untreated control dams (p<0.001).

Zinc deficiency was responsible for a low birthweight in albino rats, and zinc supplementation improved birthweight in newborns.