DOSE-RESPONSE DYNAMICS OF A MULTI-MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, REDOX STATUS, METABOLIC BIOMARKERS, AND FOLLICULOGENESIS IN HEALTHY FEMALE ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Background: Female reproductive health in all species is significantly influenced by oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation, which compromise fertility outcomes. Micronutrient supplementation holds therapeutic promise, but optimal dosages and combined effects remain uncertain. This study investigated the impact of a multinutrient supplement (containing vitamins E and D, selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, folic acid, and chromium picolinate) at varying doses on reproductive, metabolic, and oxidative parameters in female albino Wistar rats.

Methodology: Thirty-six female albino Wistar rats (7–8 weeks; 137 ± 10 g) were allocated to four groups (n = 9): control (H0, basal diet) and three supplemented groups (HS1: RDA; HS2: 10% +RDA; HS3: research-tested doses). Over 6 weeks, nutrient intake/digestibility, body and ovarian weight, abdominal circumference, estrous cyclicity, reproductive hormones (LH, FSH, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone), metabolic indices (glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile), hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST), and oxidative/antioxidant markers (MDA, TOS, TAC, SOD, CAT, GSH, CRP, uric acid) were assessed. Data were analysed by ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05).

Results: HS2 significantly reduced b.w, abdominal circumference, testosterones and LH as compared to HS3 where an increased body weight gain (+48.46% vs. H0), abdominal circumference (+12.32%), LH (+45.33%), testosterone (+31.24%), serum glucose (+44.62%), and LDL (+3.70%), with elevated oxidative stress (MDA +12%; TOS ↑), reduced CAT (−9.08%) was observed. HS2 enhanced TAC (+20.57%), SOD (+8.42%), HDL (+4.68%), and maintained regular estrous cyclicity. HS1 improved protein digestibility (+5.59%) and GSH (+2.15%). H0 exhibited a baseline status characterised by higher NFE intake (+15.85% vs. HS3) and shorter oestrous cycles.

Conclusion: Higher-dose supplementation (HS3) promoted growth and reproductive activity but induced oxidative and metabolic strain. Moderate doses (HS1/HS2) provided antioxidant and metabolic benefits without adverse hormonal shifts, highlighting a dose-dependent threshold for micronutrient efficacy in reproductive health.