Zinc supplementation prevents cardiomyocyte apoptosis and congenital heart defects in embryos of diabetic mice

► Oxidative stress induced by maternal diabetes is associated with heart malformations. ► Zn supplement restores the antioxidant system in the heart of embryos from diabetic mice. ► MT up-regulation protects hearts of embryos from Zn-supplemented diabetic mice. ► Zn supplement alters some trace elements in the embryonic heart of diabetic mice. ► Zn may be beneficial in prevention of diabetes-induced cardiac malformations in embryos.