Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Home Economics, Faculty of Specific Education, Mansoura University, Mansoura City, Egypt.
2
Department of Home Economics, Faculty of Specific Education, Tanta University, Egypt.
10.21608/enj.2025.409378.1130
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effects of zinc (Zn) and maple syrup on zinc deficiency in male albino rats. Thirty adult male Albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (6 each). The first group served as a control, the second group was fed a zinc-deficient diet (3 ppm Zn/kg). The remaining three groups were initially fed a zinc-deficient diet for 4 weeks, subsequently, the third group received 84 ppm Zn/kg diet. The fourth group then received 84 ppm Zn/kg diet and maple syrup (100 mg/kg body weight/intraperitoneally/day), while the fifth group received 84 ppm Zn/kg diet and maple syrup (200 mg/kg body weight/intraperitoneally/day) for 2 consecutive weeks. Rats body weight and food intake were measured and blood samples were gathered to assays the levels of Zn, lipid profile, total thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and testosterone. While, liver tissue samples were gathered to assays the levels of Zn, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Zinc deficiency significantly impaired growth, nutrient utilization, lipid metabolism, T3, testosterone, GSH and GPX. While, Co-administration of maple syrup with zinc improved nutritive effects, lipid profiles, and significantly boosted testosterone levels and antioxidant defense mechanisms. It can be recommended that the incorporating of combining zinc and maple syrup in diet may enhance zinc bioavailability and provide additional health-promoting effects.
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