The effects of tricentric chromium(III) propionate complex supplementation on pregnancy outcome and maternal and foetal mineral status in rat

Chromium(III) is an essential element for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and various chemical forms of this element are widely used as dietary supplements. Of particular interest is [Cr₃O(O₂CCH₂CH₃)₆(H₂O)₃]⁺ cation (CrProp), that has been proposed as an alternative source of Cr. However, its safety has not been studied completely. In this study we investigated the effects of CrProp supplementation on pregnancy outcome and maternal and foetal mineral status in the rat. Female Wistar rats (n = 20, 14 weeks old) were mated with males and, after successful conception were fed either AIN-93G diet supplemented with CrProp (100 mg Cr/kg diet, equals to 7.2 mg Cr/kg body mass/day) or non-supplemented diet (0.27 mg Cr/kg diet, equals to 0.02 mg Cr/kg body mass/day) for 21 days. Dams were sacrificed on 21 day of gestation, and their foetuses were examined for adverse effects. Maternal and foetal organs were analysed for minerals contents (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr) using the AAS-method. Supplemental Cr given did not affect pregnancy outcome, litter size, body and inner organ masses, maternal blood biochemical indices. No abnormalities in gross organ morphology of foetuses were detected. Supplemental CrProp increased maternal liver and kidney Cr levels by 177% and 455%, decreased liver Cu and Zn concentrations by 9% and 12%, increased foetal liver Zn by 181%, and decreased kidney Cu level by 34%.