The relative efficacy of water soluble ascorbic acid and lipid soluble α-tocopherol on hematoxicity caused by lead exposure were observed in rats. The experimental groups were given orally of 3IU antioxidant treatment as vitamin C, vitamin E plus C, and vitamin E, while lead was injected subcutaneously. Blood lead, hemoglobin, and hematocrit level with the supporting red blood cell count were measured as indicators to assess the efficacy and synergistic competence of the antioxidants against lead. Solution containing 1/40 sub-lethal dose lead acetate induced subcutaneously to rats for four wks produced harmful changes in the blood. These harmful effects, however, were lessened by antioxidant treatments. The results showed that vitamin E has better potency as compared to vitamin C as well as there is an apparent evidence of synergism between the vitamins. Although the doses were halved on vitamin E plus C treatment, still, the combination was successful in stabilizing the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to normal with similar efficacy as the complete 3IU vitamin E treatment. The suggested reinforcing antioxidant effect of ascorbic acid is the capacity to regenerate the active form of Vitamin E after it has reacted with lead.
