Researchers used Japanese rice fish, called medaka, to study the effects of potassium perchlorate, a chemical often found in explosives and fireworks. Fish are useful because their reproductive genes and processes are similar to humans.
Male fish exposed to potassium perchlorate showed a large drop in fertility and clear damage to the testes. A second group got both potassium perchlorate and vitamin C at the same time. Those fish had improved fertility and less testicular damage compared with fish given the chemical alone.
The team says vitamin C, as an antioxidant, may protect sperm production, but more research is needed to know how this could help people.
Difficult words
- potassium perchlorate — a chemical used in explosives and fireworks
- medaka — a small Japanese rice fish species
- fertility — ability to produce babies or young
- testis — male reproductive organs that make spermtestes
- antioxidant — a substance that protects cells from damage
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think vitamin C could help protect people from chemical damage? Why or why not?
- Have you ever taken vitamin C for health? How often do you take it and why?
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