Selected Liver Function Indices in the Serum of Rats Administered With Vitamin C

This study investigated the effect of Vitamin C administration on selected liver function
indices namely serum total bilirubin, total protein, and albumin levels in Wistar rats. Eight
adult female rats were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (control) received 5 mL
of distilled water, while Group B was administered 100 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin C
orally for four consecutive days. Following the administration period, blood samples were
collected, and serum was analyzed for liver function parameters using standard
biochemical assays. The results revealed that serum total bilirubin levels were lower in the
serum of rat administered with Vitamin C-treated when compared to the control, although
the difference was not significantly altered (p < 0.05). In contrast, serum total protein and
albumin levels showed significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the rat administered with Vitamin
C , indicating a notable effect of Vitamin C on hepatic protein synthesis and plasma protein
concentration. These findings suggest that while Vitamin C may exhibit some stabilizing
effect on bilirubin metabolism, it significantly alters protein-related liver functions. The
observed reduction in serum protein and albumin levels may reflect Vitamin C's
modulatory influence on hepatic synthetic activity. Overall, the study supports the role of
Vitamin C as a biologically active antioxidant that can influence liver function indices,
though its effects may vary by parameter.