Effectiveness of Vitamin C Consumption In Pregnancy On Dexamethasone Induced Low Birth Weight
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Date
2011
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Published by College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
Synthetic glucocorticoids, including dexamethasone, have been shown to induce intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) when administered in the last trimester of pregnancy. This study was designed to investigate the effect of vitamin C on dexamethasone-induced low birth weight using an experimental model in albino rats. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: vehicle control, vitamin C treated (100 mg/kg), dexamethasone treated (bolus dose of 100 µg/kg on day 13, then 200 µg/kg daily until term), and combination treatment (vitamin C plus dexamethasone). Parameters measured included weight and size of litters, gestation period, and maternal weight gain. The results showed that although dexamethasone caused low birth weight, vitamin C had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on reversing dexamethasone-induced low birth weight, litter size, or gestation period. The study concluded that vitamin C may not influence the mechanisms by which dexamethasone induces low birth weight.
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Keywords
Low birth weight, Dexamethasone, Vitamin C, Intrauterine growth restriction
Citation
Ojulari, L. S., Olatinwo, A. W. O., & Adegoke, O. A. (2011). Effectiveness of vitamin C consumption in pregnancy on dexamethasone-induced low birth weight. The Tropical Journal of Health Sciences, 18 (1), 20-23, Published by College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. Available online at: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjhc/issue/view/8023