Adequate folate intake is essential during embryogenesis and its deficiency is associated with neural tube defects. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if saccharose is a good vehicle for the supplementation of folate in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 40 Swiss female mice were allocated into the following groups: C (commercial mouse food + ad libitum water); DS (folate-free balanced diet + saccharose with folate diluted in water for 14 days); D/DS (folate-free balanced diet + folate-free saccharose diluted in water for 14 days, followed by folate-free balanced diet + saccharose with folate diluted in water for 14 days); D (folate-free balanced diet + folate-free saccharose diluted in water for 14 days). Mice from all experimental groups received folate-free balanced diet + saccharose with folate diluted in water during their three-day mating period and thereafter 15 days until animals were put down. RESULTS: Mice from groups D and D/DS showed alopecia, pale eyes and adynamia while on folate-free saccharose water regimen. These symptoms disappeared after the introduction of saccharose with folate diluted in water. No statistical difference was noted among groups as to pregnancy, number of implants, live fetuses, reabsorption, late fetal death, serum folate levels and red blood cells count and no congenital abnormalities were identified in any groups by the end of the experiment. CONCLUSION: Saccharose is a suitable vehicle for the dietary supplementation of folate.
Saccharose; Folic acid; Mouse; Pregnancy
