Natural antioxidants protect against lead-induced damage during pregnancy and lactation in rat's pups.

The aim of this study was to add further evidence to the biochemical changes produced in lead-exposed pups and to investigate the potential role of natural antioxidants against the lead-induced damage. Pregnant Wistar rats received treatments with drinking water, divided into four groups, as follows: (1) distilled water; (2) lead (300mg/L); (3) lead+Zn (20mg/L)+vitamins A (50,000U/L), C (2g/L), E (500mg/L) and B(6) (500mg/L); and (4) vitamins+Zn solution. We found a significant decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit values as well and an increase in haemolysis among lead-exposed pups.