Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) intake and its effect on steroid hormones in mice

Author(s): Sabreen Yahya Ghaeeb
Date: 08/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890

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Abstract

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, composed of ascorbic acid (AA), monohydro-ascorbic acid (MDHAA), 
and dihydro-ascorbic acid (DHAA). These three forms are interconvertible. This study aimed to evaluate 
the relationship between the effects of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on steroid hormone levels in male white 
rats and its antioxidant properties. Eighteen adult male Wistar white rats, aged 3–4 months, were used in 
this study. The mice were randomly divided into three equal groups (6 mice per group): a control group, 
a medium dose of 250, and a high dose of 400. Vitamin C was administered orally for 21 days. The results 
showed an increase in testosterone concentration in both the medium and high dose groups. Elevated FSH 
levels were observed in the high-dose group, while LH levels decreased in the medium-dose group, 
attributed to increased negative feedback resulting from elevated testosterone. Statistically significant 
improvements in the enzymatic activity of the two key enzymes in the steroid biosynthesis pathway, 3β
HSD and 17β-HSD, were also observed in both treatment groups. Antioxidant results following vitamin 
C treatment showed a marked decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, along with a high increase in 
the activity of the antioxidant-enzymes SOD, CAT, and GSH. A significant increase in vitamin C 
concentration within testicular tissue was also observed, indicating effective protection against oxidative 
stress. The study demonstrated that vitamin C-treated mice exhibited statistically significant increases in 
sperm concentration, motility, and the percentage of normal sperm morphology, reflecting the positive 
effect of vitamin C on testicular and sperm function in general.

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