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Ascorbic acid supplementation and copper status in rats

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Abstract

The effect of a high concentration (1%, w/w) of ascorbic acid in a Cu-adequate (150 μmol/kg) purified diet was studied in rats. After 6 wk, ascorbic acid had significantly reduced Cu concentrations in muscle and bone. The estimated whole body content of Cu in rats fed ascorbic acid was reduced by 20%. Within 1 d after oral administration of64Cu, the recovery of the dose in feces was increased in rats fed ascorbic acid, suggesting that the vitamin depresses intestinal absorption of Cu.

After intraperitoneal (ip) administration of64Cu, the rate of loss of the dose from the body was decreased in rats fed ascorbic acid. This study suggests that the ascorbic acid induces a decreased efficiency of intestinal Cu absorption, which in turn triggers mechanisms to preserve Cu in the body stores. This is supported by the observation that the feeding of a Cu-deficient diet (5 μmol/kg) had similar effects, although more pronounced.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiochemistry, Interfaculty Reactor Institute, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 15, 262g JB, Delft, The Netherlands

    G. J. Van den Berg & J. P. Van Wouwe

  2. Department of Laboratory Animal Science, State University, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    A. C. Beynen

  3. Department of Human Nutrition, Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    A. C. Beynen

Authors
  1. G. J. Van den Berg
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  2. J. P. Van Wouwe
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  3. A. C. Beynen
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Van den Berg, G.J., Van Wouwe, J.P. & Beynen, A.C. Ascorbic acid supplementation and copper status in rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 23, 165–172 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02917187

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02917187

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