Int J Vitam Nutr Res
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Int J Vitam Nutr Res · Jan 1993
The effects of periconceptional folic acid and vitamin supplementation on maternal folate levels and on neurulating hamster embryos in vivo.
We studied the effects of periconceptional oral supplementation of folic acid and vitamins on the maternal red blood cell (RBC) folate level of golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus, Waterhouse). The effects of folate deficiency and supplementation on the process of neurulation and the incidence of resorptions were evaluated. Groups of at least eleven mature virgin female hamsters were placed on one of six specific regimens which started two weeks prior to mating and continued until sacrifice on day nine of pregnancy. ⋯ Folic acid supplementation alone increased the RBC folate level significantly more than combined supplementation with multivitamins (p < 0.001). The data indicate that oral supplementation with folic acid and/or multivitamins produce adequate maternal RBC folate levels. An inadequate maternal folate intake can affect the growth of neurulating embryos even if the maternal RBC folate levels are still sufficient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Int J Vitam Nutr Res · Jan 1993
Comparative StudyUse of smokeless tobacco and cigarettes--effects on plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins.
In a population-based sample of 40-49-year-old men, plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins were measured in 17 regular users of smokeless tobacco (oral snuff), 26 regular smokers and 54 non-tobacco users. Vitamin intake by tobacco use was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire in 174 men in the 40-49 year age range. ⋯ Smokers, but not snuff dippers, had plasma levels of ascorbate significantly below those expected from ascorbic acid intake, indicating enhanced expenditure of ascorbate in smokers but not in snuff dippers. The results show that plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins are not reduced in snuff dippers as they are in smokers, possibly as the combined result of higher intake and lower expenditure of ascorbate and tocopherols in those who use smokeless tobacco.