Search Results (76)

Background: Fatty acid status during the perinatal period is important for optimal offspring growth and development. Objectives: We aimed to test the association between maternal fatty acid (FA) intake during the third trimester of pregnancy and the FA composition of placental phospholipids, a marker of maternal fatty acid status. Methods: This cohort study was performed on 54 mothers participating in the PREOBE study. Maternal dietary intake was assessed with prospective 7-day food diaries at 34 weeks of gestation. Placenta samples were collected immediately after delivery and phospholipid FA was quantified with established methods. Data were analyzed with Pearson correlations and linear regression models, with adjustment for confounding factors. Results: Total energy intake was 2019 ± 527 kcal/d (mean ± SD) and total fat intake of the mothers was 87 ± 35 g/day. Myristic, stearic, oleic, and α-linolenic acid intakes were modestly correlated with placental percentages, with r-values ≤ 0.33. Only docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid intake (%-energy, %-fat, and g/d) showed r-values > 0.4 for the correlation with placenta phospholipids. Intake of other fatty acids, including arachidonic acid, was not associated with the placenta percentage. Linear regression models considering confounders showed only dietary DHA intake significant associations. Total fat intake did not interfere with the association of DHA intake with placental incorporation. Conclusions: DHA and arachidonic acid are enriched in the placenta, but only placental DHA content seems modifiable by maternal dietary DHA intake. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lactating mothers have increased nutritional requirements, but nutritional adequacy is difficult to achieve. Additionally, human milk (HM) composition depends on maternal diet. However, the nutritional intake and status of mothers with hospitalized very preterm infants (MHVPIs) (<32 weeks of gestational age) have rarely been assessed. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine the intake of macronutrients, micronutrients, and lipids, as well as the nutritional status of MHVPIs. The results were compared with a group of HM donors (HMDs), and associations with HM composition were evaluated using multiple linear regression. Methods: For dietary assessment, a 5-day dietary record including supplement intake was completed by 15 MHVPIs and 110 HMDs. Vitamins and fatty acids (FA) were determined in plasma and erythrocytes; minerals and methylmalonic acid were determined in urine; and macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and the lipid profile were determined in HM. Results: Considering dietary reference intakes, the dietary evaluation of MHVPIs revealed a high percentage of inadequate nutrient intake in relation to total energy, as well as for iodine and vitamins B8, B9, C, D, and E. A high protein intake was observed. The percentage of energy from carbohydrates was low, whereas the percentage of energy from fat was high. However, the diet of MHVPIs did not differ substantially from the diet of HMDs. Associations were observed between the study groups (MHVPI vs. HMD) and the HM concentration of protein, several micronutrients, and fatty acids independent from intake and status. Conclusions: Deficient nutrient intakes did not appear to be exclusively related to MHVPI but rather seemed to be widespread in both study groups. However, for preterm infants, an insufficient supply of nutrients is critical and should be addressed in order to improve preterm infant’s outcomes. Furthermore, we provided additional insights into the exploration of HM by relating its composition to prematurity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Maternal free fatty acids (FFAs) play a critical role in maternal metabolism, fetal growth, and pregnancy outcomes. However, their relationship with maternal metabolic status in early pregnancy and the subsequent development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unclear. Aim: Assess the trajectory of FFA concentrations during pregnancy, considering first-trimester metabolic status (obesity, insulin resistance—IR) and the development of GDM, and evaluate whether first-trimester FFA is a relevant risk factor for GDM. Methods: A case–control study nested within the OBESO cohort (Mexico City, pregnant women and their children), classified women according to first-trimester metabolic status (pregestational body mass index—pBMI, insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment—HOMA-IR > 1.6), as well as the presence of GDM: Group 1 (normal weight without IR, n = 60), Group 2 (obesity without IR, no GDM, n = 20), Group 3 (obesity with IR, no GDM, n = 20), and Group 4 (obesity with IR, with GDM, n = 9). FFA concentrations were measured each trimester. Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA and logistic regression models. Results: FFA concentrations were the highest in Group 4 across all trimesters (p < 0.05). FFAs decreased throughout pregnancy in all groups (p = 0.023), with the most significant decline from the first to the third trimester (p < 0.001). The greatest reduction occurred in Group 4 (p < 0.001), followed by Group 3. Multivariate logistic regression showed no association between first-trimester FFAs and the development of GDM. Higher gestational weight gain was associated with a higher GDM risk (OR: 1.22, 95%CI: 1.01–1.48), when the FFAs difference was accounted for. Conclusions: FFA levels are higher in women with GDM compared with women with obesity or a normal weight. However, FFAs progressively decline from the first to the third trimester, with the most pronounced decrease in women with obesity, IR, and GDM. Full article

This study investigated changes in physiological processes and rumen microbial communities in does from mid-gestation to lactation and identified potential associations between these physiological changes and the rumen microbiome. Additionally, we studied the transmission mechanisms of microorganisms between the dam and offspring. Our study demonstrates significant changes in maternal physiological metabolism, immune status, and rumen microbiota from mid-pregnancy through lactation. We identified potential associations between these physiological changes and the rumen microbiome. Moreover, the findings highlight that alterations in maternal physiological metabolism and immune status significantly influence the growth and immune development of offspring kids. Additionally, we observed that the maternal microbiota serves as a key source of gastrointestinal microbial communities in young animals, with early colonization of maternally derived microbes in the offspring’s gastrointestinal tract playing a role in shaping their immune system development. The results for primary outcomes are as follows: The serum levels of estrogen and progesterone in pregnant does were greater than those observed during lactation, while the concentration of growth hormone, triiodothyronine, and glucose exhibited an upward trend during lactation. During late gestation, the serum IL-10 concentration in does decreased, while the TNF-α concentration increased. Additionally, on day 140 of gestation, does showed a significant decrease in IgG, total protein, and globulin levels. From mid-gestation to lactation, the abundance of dominant phyla and genera, including Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Patescibacteria, Bacteroidales_RF16_group, Clostridia_UCG-014, RF39, and Eubacterium_ventriosum_group, in the rumen of does underwent significant changes. LEfSe analysis identified a series of marker microorganisms in the rumen of does at different physiological stages. A correlation was observed between these dominant bacteria and the serum physiological indicators of the does. Notably, rumen volatile fatty acids also exhibited a correlation with serum physiological indicators. In addition, serum physiological indicators of does were significantly correlated with the growth and immune indicators of their kids. Microbiological origin analysis revealed that the gastrointestinal microbiome of kids primarily originated from the rumen, birth canal, and milk of does. Further analysis identified a correlation between the kids’ serum immunometric indicators and certain gastrointestinal microorganisms. In particular, the jejunum microbiota of 28-day-old lactating kids, including Alysiella, Neisseria, and Muribaculaceae, showed a significant positive correlation with serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Meanwhile, these genera were dominant in the saliva and milk of does, suggesting a direct microbial transfer from dam to offspring. These microbial communities may play a significant role in modulating the metabolism and immune responses of the offspring, thereby influencing their immune system development. Full article

Maternal metabolic intensity significantly increases during late gestation and lactation, placing significant stress on cells and tissues. This heightened metabolic demand can lead to inflammatory responses and metabolic disorders, adversely affecting the health of both the mother and her offspring. Diet plays a key role in modulating host health by influencing the gastrointestinal microbiome. This study examined the impact of two roughage sources, corn straw (CS), and alfalfa hay (AH), on ewes and their offspring during late gestation and lactation, with a focus on metabolism, immunity, and the microbiome. Thirty-six multiparous Inner Mongolia cashmere goats, approximately 60 days pregnant, were assigned to CS and AH groups. Samples were collected from the ewes on day 140 of gestation (G140) and day 28 of lactation (L28) for analysis. The results showed that ewes fed AH had reduced body weight loss during lactation (p < 0.05), and increased serum metabolic factors levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, ewes in the AH group exhibited a reduced inflammatory response during both gestation and lactation compared to those in the CS group, as evidenced by a significant decrease in TNF-α and LPS levels and a notable increase in IL-10 (p < 0.05). The rumen microbiomes of ewes in the AH and CS groups exhibited stark differences, with specific microbial markers identified at G140 and L28. Correlation analysis revealed associations between microbiome, volatile fatty acids, cytokines, and metabolic markers. The analysis of the lambs demonstrated that their immune status and microbial composition were significantly influenced by the immune health and microbial community structure of the ewe. Moreover, microbial and immune-related components from the ewes were transmitted to the lambs, further shaping their immune development and rumen microbiota. Overall, different roughage sources during late gestation and lactation had minimal impact on the growth performance of ewes and lambs, given that both diets were iso-nitrogen and iso-energetic. However, ewes fed AH exhibited significant improvements in immune function and overall health for both them and their lambs. Full article

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), the third most abundant solid component in human milk, vary significantly among women due to factors such as secretor status, race, geography, season, maternal nutrition and weight, gestational age, and delivery method. In recent studies, HMOs have been shown to have a variety of functional roles in the development of infants. Because HMOs are not digested by infants, they act as metabolic substrates for certain bacteria, helping to establish the infant’s gut microbiota. By encouraging the growth of advantageous intestinal bacteria, these sugars function as prebiotics and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are essential for gut health. HMOs can also specifically reduce harmful microbes and viruses binding to the gut epithelium, preventing illness. HMO addition to infant formula is safe and promotes healthy development, infection prevention, and microbiota. Current infant formulas frequently contain oligosaccharides (OSs) that differ structurally from those found in human milk, making it unlikely that they would reproduce the unique effects of HMOs. However, there is a growing trend in producing OSs resembling HMOs, but limited data make it unclear whether HMOs offer additional therapeutic benefits compared to non-human OSs. Better knowledge of how the human mammary gland synthesizes HMOs could direct the development of technologies that yield a broad variety of complex HMOs with OS compositions that closely mimic human milk. This review explores HMOs’ complex nature and vital role in infant health, examining maternal variation in HMO composition and its contributing factors. It highlights recent technological advances enabling large-scale studies on HMO composition and its effects on infant health. Furthermore, HMOs’ multifunctional roles in biological processes such as infection prevention, brain development, and gut microbiota and immune response regulation are investigated. The structural distinctions between HMOs and other mammalian OSs in infant formulas are discussed, with a focus on the trend toward producing more precise replicas of HMOs found in human milk. Full article

Background: A number of clinical studies have shown a positive association between the maternal n-3 PUFA status during pregnancy and fetal and newborn development and health. Despite this well-documented role of n-3 PUFAs in pregnancy, data on maternal the LC-PUFAs status during pregnancy in the Indonesian population, to our knowledge, are not yet available. This study reports on the LC-PUFA dietary intake among pregnant women in a suburban population of Bogor City, West Java, Indonesia. It also explores the associations of maternal LC-PUFA intake with maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk LC-PUFA levels and the associations of the latter with infant body composition. Methods: A total of 142 pregnant women and 104 newborn infants were included in this study. The dietary intake of energy, macronutrients, and selected LC-PUFAs (LA, ALA, EPA, and DHA) was assessed by 2 × 24 h food recall and FFQ. LC-PUFA levels were measured in maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk. Newborn body composition was determined by anthropometric measures. Results: The study found that the inadequate intake of energy, protein, and carbohydrates was highly prevalent among pregnant women subjects. The intake of the most important n-3 PUFAs (ALA, EPA, and DHA) was far below the recommended values. Maternal dietary DHA intakes were negatively associated with birth weight and infant fat mass at birth, and dietary intake of total fat and n-6 LA were associated with increased fat accumulation in newborns at specific body sites. Moreover, positive correlations were identified between the EPA in maternal blood and infant % fat mass, and between the DHA in cord blood and newborn birth weight. Conclusions: Further longitudinal studies, including clinical and biomolecular analyses, are suggested to be conducted to monitor maternal and child health and nutrition in Indonesia and develop well-attuned intervention strategies. Full article

Background: Pregnancy is a unique stage of the life course characterized by trade-offs between the nutritional, immune, and metabolic needs of the mother and fetus. The Camden Study was originally initiated to examine nutritional status, growth, and birth outcomes in adolescent pregnancies and expanded to study dietary and molecular predictors of pregnancy complications and birth outcomes in young women. Methods: From 1985–2006, 4765 pregnant participants aged 12 years and older were recruited from Camden, NJ, one of the poorest cities in the US. The cohort reflects a population under-represented in perinatal cohort studies (45% Hispanic, 38% non-Hispanic Black, 17% White participants; 98% using Medicaid in pregnancy). Study visits, including questionnaires, dietary assessments, and biospecimen collection, occurred in early and late pregnancy as well as at delivery. Medical records were abstracted, and a subset of mothers and infants participated in a six-week postpartum visit. Results: Findings from the Camden Study have added to the understanding of adolescent and young adult maternal health and perinatal outcomes. These include associations of adolescent linear growth while pregnant with smaller neonatal birth size, low dietary zinc intake in early pregnancy with increased risk of delivery <33 gestational weeks, and higher circulating fatty acid levels with greater insulin resistance. More recent analyses have begun to unpack the biochemical pathways in pregnancy that may be shaped by race as an indicator of systemic racism. Conclusions: The Camden Study data and biorepositories are well-positioned to support future research aimed at better understanding perinatal health in under-represented women and infants. Linkages to subsequent health and administrative records and the potential for recontacting participants over 18–39 years after initial participation may provide key insights into the trajectories of maternal and child health across the life course. Full article

Promoting optimal nutrition in pregnant and lactating women is crucial for maternal and infant health. This study evaluated their nutritional status and dietary habits, assessing macro and micronutrient intake based on recommendations. A descriptive study with Spanish participants examined social, obstetric, dietary, and anthropometric data using quantitative and qualitative methods. The analysis of fatty acids by gas chromatography revealed significant variability, with notable deviations in specific fatty acids like C:10:0 and C:12:0. Despite some differences, the overall composition aligns with standards. During pregnancy, 53.8% consumed five meals/day. Grilling (92.3%) and baking (76.9%) were common. Food consumption frequency differed from recommendations. Lactating mothers’ mean energy intake was 2575.88 kcal/day ± 730.59 standard deviation (SD), with 45% from carbohydrates and 40% from lipids, including 37.16 g ± 10.43 of saturated fatty acids. Diets during pregnancy lacked fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and cereals. Lactating mothers partially met nutritional objectives, with an energy distribution skewed towards lipids and deficiencies in calcium, iodine, vitamin D, E, and folic acid. Promoting proper nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is essential to safeguard health and prevent chronic diseases. Full article

Background: During pregnancy, the demand for omega-3 fatty acids, notably docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), escalates for both maternal and foetal health. Insufficient levels can lead to complications and can affect foetal development. This study investigated omega-3 status and its relation to dietary intake in pregnant Latvian women, along with its impact on gestational duration and newborn birth weight. Methods: The study comprised 250 pregnant and postpartum women with a mean age of 31.6 ± 4.8 years. Nutrition and omega-3 supplementation data were collected through a questionnaire covering 199 food items and 12 supplements. Fatty acids in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids were analysed via gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Results: The median omega-3 fatty acid intake, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA from diet and supplements, was 0.370 g/day, which is deemed sufficient. However, the median weekly fish intake (126.0 g) and daily nut/seed intake (7.4 g) were insufficient. The median omega-3 supplement intake was 1.0 g/day. No correlation between omega-3 supplement intake and the omega-3 index was observed. There was a weak correlation between the DHA intake from fish and the omega-3 index (r = 0.126, p = 0.047), while a significant correlation between the total EPA and DHA intake from various sources and the omega-3 index was noted (r = 0.163, p = 0.01). Most women (61.6%) had an omega-3 index < 4%, while 34.8% had an index between 4 and 8%, and only 3.6% had an index > 8%. Notably, significant differences in EPA levels and the omega-3 index were found among respondents with differing infant birth weights (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The omega-3 intake during pregnancy adheres to the established guidelines, although fish consumption remains insufficient. A preconception evaluation of the omega-3 index is advocated to optimize prenatal intake. The indications suggest potential correlations between EPA levels, the omega-3 index, and infant birth weight. Full article

Children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are at high risk of impaired development. Contributing causes include the inadequate intake of specific nutrients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and a lack of adequate stimulation. We conducted a pilot study assessing developmental and nutritional changes in children with SAM provided with a modified ready-to-use therapeutic food and context-specific psychosocial intervention in Mwanza, Tanzania. We recruited 82 children with SAM (6–36 months) and 88 sex- and age-matched non-malnourished children. We measured child development, using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (MDAT), measures of family and maternal care for children, and whole-blood PUFA levels. At baseline, the mean total MDAT z-score of children with SAM was lower than non-malnourished children; −2.37 (95% confidence interval: −2.92; −1.82), as were their total n-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels. After 8 weeks of intervention, MDAT z-scores improved in all domains, especially fine motor, among children with SAM. Total n-3 and EPA levels increased, total n-6 fatty acids decreased, and DHA remained unchanged. Family and maternal care also improved. The suggested benefits of the combined interventions on the developmental and nutritional status of children with SAM will be tested in a future trial. Full article

Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) play a key role in early neurodevelopment, but evidence from observational and clinical studies remains inconsistent. This study investigates the association between maternal n-3 LCPUFA, Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations during pregnancy and infant development functioning at 40 days. This study includes 348 mother–infant pairs. Maternal serum concentrations were assessed in the first and third trimesters alongside sociodemographic, clinical, nutritional, psychological, and obstetrical data. At 40 days, the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III) was administered. An adjusted analysis revealed that lower first-trimester n-3 LCPUFA and DHA concentrations are associated with better infant motor development. These results underscore the potential significance of the maternal n-3 LCPUFA status in early pregnancy for influencing fetal neurodevelopment. However, the complexity of these associations necessitates further investigation, emphasizing the urgent need for additional studies to comprehensively elucidate the nuanced interplay between the maternal n-3 LCPUFA status and infant neurodevelopment. Full article

Sows suffer oxidative stress and inflammation induced by metabolic burden during late pregnancy, which negatively regulates reproductive and lactating performances. We previously found that L-malic acid (MA) alleviated oxidative stress and inflammation and improved reproductive performances in sows. However, the mechanism underlying the MA’s positive effects remains unexplored. Here, twenty Large White × Landrace sows with similar parity were randomly divided into two groups and fed with a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 2% L-malic acid complex from day 85 of gestation to delivery. The gut microbiome, fecal short-chain fatty acids, and untargeted serum metabolome were determined. Results showed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Spirochaetota were the top abundant phyla identified in late pregnancy for sows. Maternal MA supplementation modulated the composition but not the richness and diversity of gut microbiota during late pregnancy. Correlation analysis between gut microbiota and antioxidant capacity (or inflammation indicators) revealed that unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae, unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, UCG-002, norank_f_norank_o_RF3, and Lactobacillus might play a role in anti-oxidation, and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, UCG-002, unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae, Candidatus_Soleaferrea, norank_f_UCG-010, norank_f_norank_o_RF39, and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae might be involved in the anti-inflammatory effect. The improved antioxidant and inflammation status induced by MA might be independent of short chain fatty acid changes. In addition, untargeted metabolomics analysis exhibited different metabolic landscapes of sows in the MA group from in the control group and revealed the contribution of modified amino acid and lipid metabolism to the improved antioxidant capacity and inflammation status. Notably, correlation results of gut microbiota and serum metabolites, as well as serum metabolites and antioxidant capacity (or inflammation indicators), demonstrated that differential metabolism was highly related to the fecal microorganisms and antioxidant or inflammation indicators. Collectively, these data demonstrated that a maternal dietary supply of MA can ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation in sows through modulating gut microbiota and host metabolic profiles during late pregnancy. Full article

The incidence of allergic problems has notably increased in recent decades, affecting approximately 20% of the population and becoming a public health issue. Some studies have suggested that asthma and atopy could result from an increased dietary intake of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and a decreased intake of n-3 PUFA. During pregnancy, the fetus depends on the transplacental transfer of n-3 PUFA from maternal circulation, which implies that maternal lipid profile alterations might predispose to allergy onset during infancy and childhood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the circulating fatty acid profile in pregnant women with allergic problems as well as in fetal plasma at birth. Plasma samples from 73 allergic and 179 healthy pregnant women as well as cord venous plasma were collected at delivery in the NELA cohort (Murcia, Spain). Maternal allergy was diagnosed according to the symptoms and via a positive skin prick test. The fatty acid profile was determined by gas cromatography. The allergic mothers had a lower percentage of n-3 PUFA in the plasma compared to the healthy ones (Allergic: 4.06 ± 0.15 vs. Control: 4.66 ± 0.11, p = 0.002), especially in those with asthma or food allergies. This contributed to a significantly higher n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in women with allergies (Allergic: 9.45 ± 0.31 vs. Control: 8.28 ± 0.20, p = 0.002), mainly asthma and food allergies, which was indicative of a proinflammatory status. The same tendency was observed in women affected by atopic dermatitis (p = 0.094). In cord blood, despite the fact that there were no differences in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio between the groups, the fetuses born from allergic mothers showed a tendency towards lower n-3 PUFA content compared to those born from healthy mothers (Allergic: 5.63 ± 0.19 vs. Control: 6.17 ± 0.21, p = 0.093). In conclusion, allergy led to a decreased n-3 PUFA and an increased n6-/n-3 ratio fatty acid profile in pregnant women at delivery, especially in those affected by asthma and food allergies. The same tendency was observed in cord plasma. A higher n-3 PUFA consumption could be desirable in women with allergic diseases in order to improve their lipid profile and proinflammatory status and their offspring’s health. Full article

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complex metabolic condition during pregnancy with an intricate link to gut microbiota alterations. Throughout gestation, notable shifts in the gut microbial component occur. GDM is marked by significant dysbiosis, with a decline in beneficial taxa like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and a surge in opportunistic taxa such as Enterococcus. These changes, detectable in the first trimester, hint as the potential early markers for GDM risk. Alongside these taxa shifts, microbial metabolic outputs, especially short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, are perturbed in GDM. These metabolites play pivotal roles in host glucose regulation, insulin responsiveness, and inflammation modulation, which are the key pathways disrupted in GDM. Moreover, maternal GDM status influences neonatal gut microbiota, indicating potential intergenerational health implications. With the advance of multi-omics approaches, a deeper understanding of the nuanced microbiota–host interactions via metabolites in GDM is emerging. The reviewed knowledge offers avenues for targeted microbiota-based interventions, holding promise for innovative strategies in GDM diagnosis, management, and prevention. Full article