Shielding the Negative Impact of Cadmium in Avian Embryos by Supplementing with Beetroot Juice

The increased correlation between maternal cadmium (Cd) exposure and restricted fetal growth has become a matter of global concern. Because dietary nitrate has been demonstrated to offer a range of beneficial vascular effects, we attempt to unveil the effect of one such nitrate-rich food, beetroot, on recovering Cd-induced fetal growth retardation. Using chick embryos as a model, our results confirm that retarded growth is a result of exposure to Cd at an early stage of development and that Cd hinders vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. We find that beetroot juice (BRJ) recovers fetal growth retardation effects of Cd via its vasodilatory effect and promotes embryonic angiogenesis. In conclusion, this study confirms that BRJ reduces the rate of congenital malformations with Cd exposure in utero and suggests the importance of dietary supplements for pregnant women.