Volume 44 (2026) – Supplementary Issue 1 – Article 19 – Epitheorese Klinikes Farmakologias kai Farmakokinetikes

Open Access Research

Effects of maternal excess folic acid supplementation on hematological and biochemical profiles in offspring mice
Aisha Alamari Heseen Elhatimi^1,*, Malak Omran Dekhel², Ashraf Mohamed Ward³, Yaman Walid Kassab⁴,
Huda Jasim Noori^5
1Department of Medical Laboratories, Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Souk Al   Khamis Amsihal, Tripoli – Libya
²Faculty of Technology for Medical Sciences, Al-Awata, Tripoli, Libya
³College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Libya
⁴Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, National University of science and technology, Muscat, Oman
⁵College of pharmacy, Al-Bayan University, Baghdad, Iraq

*Corresponding author: Aisha Alamari Heseen Elhatimi, Libyan Academy for Postgraduate Studies, Tripoli, Libya; Tel.: 218926569940; e-mail: aishaelhatimi@gmail.com

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Abstract
Background: Anemia during pregnancy remains a significant global public health concern associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Due to inadequate dietary intake, many pregnant women cannot meet their folic acid (FA) requirements through diet alone, resulting in widespread supplementation policies. However, excessive FA intake without prior screening may pose potential health risks. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal folic acid overload on hematopoietic activity and on liver and kidney functions in offspring mice. Methodology: Eighteen adult female mice were maintained under standard laboratory conditions at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli. Animals were randomly allocated into three groups: control, FA 4 mg/kg, and FA 8 mg/kg. Folic acid was orally administered once daily for one week after mating, and maternal health was monitored throughout gestation. After birth, offspring were raised under standard conditions until weaning and evaluated one month later for hematological and biochemical parameters related to hepatic, renal, and hematopoietic functions. Results: Maternal folic acid supplementation improved fertility rates in mice. However, higher FA doses were associated with alterations in liver and kidney function indicators and increased mortality among offspring. Conclusion: Excessive maternal folic acid intake may have adverse effects on maternal physiology and offspring survival. These findings emphasize the importance of controlled folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and highlight the need for appropriate screening and dosage regulation to maintain its therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential risks.

Keywords: folic acid (FA), liver, kidney, haematopoiesis, mice

Please cite as: Elhatimi A. A. H., Dekhel M. O., Ward A. M., Kassab Y. W., Noori H. J.: Effects of maternal excess folic acid supplementation on hematological and biochemical profiles in offspring mice. Epitheorese Klin. Farmakol. Farmakokinet. xx(xx): xx-xx (2026). DOI: 10.61873/XXXXXXX