Vitamin C Supplements Influence Zinc Uptake and Distribution in Rats

Wistar rats were fed for 28 d a diet comprising vitamin C administered in drinking water in a concentration of 1g/L, concomitantly with traces of zinc 65 given intragastrically. The body weight gains, organ to body ratios, blood values, and carcass and organ concentrations of zinc 65 were examined within 28 days postdosing. The supplement of vitamin C decreased significantly zinc 65 carcass retention, especially 4, 7, 14, and 28 d after administration. Comparable decreases in zinc 65 concentrations, calculated from the AUC values, were found in the liver, testicles, muscles, spleen, heart, and brain in rats maintained on the diet supplemented with vitamin C. On the contrary, the duodenum and kidneys of rats supplemented with vitamin C increased their zinc 65 concentrations. The vitamin C additive did not affect feed intake, body growth, organ to body ratios, and blood values.