Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of folic acid restriction during pre-pregnancy on maternal skeletal metabolism. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old) were divided into two groups: a basal control diet group (Cont) and a folic acid restriction diet group (FR) . The rats were then given a basal control diet after mating. On the 29th day of the experimental diet, the serum level of folic acid was significantly lower in the FR group than in the Cont group. After delivery, the femoral trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) in the pregnant FR group was significantly lower than that in the pregnant Cont group or non-pregnant FR group. In addition, there was a significant difference in the femoral cortical BMD between the pregnant FR and non-pregnant FR groups. These results suggest that folic acid restriction during pre-pregnancy influences recovery of the circulating folic acid concentration, and that even if folic acid is given during pregnancy, the maternal BMD is significantly decreased after delivery. An adequate intake of folic acid during pre-pregnancy should be considered in order to maintain maternal bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
