Folic acid and selenite during reproduction, gestation and lactation protect against ethanol changed Se bioavailability.

AIMS Levels of antioxidants such as folic acid and selenium decrease in dams exposed to ethanol during gestation and lactation, affecting their antioxidant status, their reproductive function and consequently the health of their progeny. We will study whether a Se (0.5 p.p.m.) plus folic acid (8 p.p.m.) supplemented diet administered to ethanol-exposed dams and male rats prevents the effects provoked by ethanol in Se bioavailability and in their glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, thus improving the health of their offspring. METHODS Se levels in tissue were measured by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and serum GPx activity by spectrophotometry. RESULTS Results show that ethanol decreases Se retention in dams, affecting their tissues' Se deposits, decreasing serum GPx activity, gestational parameters and the weight of their progeny. CONCLUSIONS Se plus folic acid balance Se bioavailability, something that is especially important during gestation and lactation, and as a direct result, the health of their progeny is improved.