Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes Evaluation in Lactating Female Albino Rats Following Supplementation with Fermented Soya Bean and Vitamin C

In mammals, lactation is the most energetically demanding period of a female’s reproductive life. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of fermented Soya bean and Vitamin C supplement on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in lactating albino rats. Thirty five (35) adult female rats were used for this study. At parturition, the animals were randomly divided into five groups of five (5) rats each. Except group four (4) that was subdivided into three (3) sub groups of five animals each (n = 5). Treatment was carried out as follows: Group I: (Normal control) was given normal feed and distilled water, orally (1 ml/kg), Group II: metoclopramide (5 mg/kg), Group III: 100 mg/kg of Vitamin C. The three (3) sub groups under group four (4) received 10%, 20% and 40% soya bean, respectively, Group V: was co-administered with 20% soya bean supplement and Vitamin C (100 mg/kg). Treatment was done for the period of ten (10) days at 06:00 h daily. Although there was an increase in serum MDA concentrations in all the treated groups compared to the control, lipid peroxidation was however significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the metoclopramide group relative to the soya bean supplemented groups. This study has shown that supplementation with soya bean induces a mild antioxidant effect by increasing serum level of superoxide dismutase. There was however a significant decrease in serum SOD in the 10% SB group compared to the control. There was a significant difference in serum catalase activity in the group treated with METCL (46.20 ± 1.53), SB 10% (44.00 ± 1.14) and SB 20% (45.20 ± 1.28) compared to the control (52.00 ± 0.71) (P < 0.05). Serum level of glutathione peroxidase GPx showed a significant difference in the group treated with VIT C, SB 10% and SB 20% compared to the control (P < 0.05).