The effect of folic acid on plasma zinc concentration in female rats

Considering the relation of teratogenecity with decreased plasma zinc level and expression of hypotheses concerning effect of folic acid on absorption of zinc, this study was designed to deal with the effect of folic acid on plasma zinc concentration in female rats. In this experimental study we assigned 12 albino rats randomly in 2 groups (6 rats in each group). The rats had been bred in equal environmental and nutritional states. Control and experimental groups received intra-peritoneal injections of normal saline 4 CC/Kg and folic acid 4 Mg/Kg respectively. All the rats were beheaded and plasma zinc concentration was measured by use of flameless atomic absorption method. Quantitative data presented as Mean±SD, were analyzed by means of T-test. Mean plasma zinc levels in the experimental and control groups were 27.90±2.23, and 42.1±0.579 respectively (p=0.000) (t=15.14). These results indicate that intra-peritoneal injection of folic acid decreases plasma zinc concentration in rats. This adverse effect of folic acid may play a role in the development of congenital defects. Therefore we believe that administration of zinc during pregnancy is at least as important as the administration of folic acid, to prevent occurrence of congenital anomalies.