Search Results (89)

Severe winter nutritional deficiencies may impair reproductive performance in Mongolian mares, yet optimal protein requirements during late gestation remain undefined. This study aimed to determine the effects of varying protein levels in complementary feed on gestational performance, physiology, and gut health. Seventeen late-gestating mares were assigned to three isocaloric diets differing in crude protein (CP)—high (HCP, 13.25%), medium (MCP, 12.04%), and low (LCP, 10.85%)—for 40 days. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc test. Mares fed the MCP diet tended to show more favorable growth performance and nutrient digestibility relative to the HCP group (p < 0.05). Blood analysis suggested that MCP mares had comparatively lower serum creatinine and creatine kinase concentrations, along with higher antioxidant capacity (catalase) and interleukin-1β levels (p < 0.001). Fecal microbiota sequencing showed that MCP was associated with comparatively higher microbial diversity, while HCP was characterized by enrichment of Proteobacteria, and LCP by enrichment of Bacteroidetes. Metabolomics identified 533 differential metabolites linked to protein metabolism. The MCP diet may help balance immune function, antioxidant status, and microbial homeostasis. These findings suggest that a complementary feed containing 12.04% CP may be associated with favorable effects on maternal health-related indicators in late-gestating Mongolian mares during winter. Full article

Background: The increasing prevalence of low-birth-weight (LBW) offspring from obese mothers underscores the need for dietary strategies to mitigate the transgenerational propagation of metabolic diseases. Objectives: We determined whether dietary protein restriction under obesogenic conditions altered maternal energy balance and led to LBW offspring and whether branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation improved maternal energy balance and mitigated weight and craniofacial skeletal deficits in offspring. Methods: High-fat-fed obese pregnant Sprague Dawley rats (~8–10 weeks of age, n = 8–11/group) were randomized in study 1 to control high-fat diet (20% protein; HFD), low-protein diet (LP; 5% protein), and LP + BCAA diet (100% BCAA requirements) and in study 2 to control HFD (20% protein), LP (10% protein), and LP + 2BCAA diet (200% BCAA requirements). Post-weaning offspring were fed HFD until 8 weeks of age. Results: Protein restriction promoted hyperphagia and energy expenditure, whereas BCAA supplementation attenuated such hyperphagic effects in pregnancy but not in lactation. Protein restriction reduced maternal body weight in lactation, and although BCAA supplementation did not reverse the weight loss, it enhanced insulin sensitivity and paradoxically reduced offspring survival. Maternal protein restriction reduced offspring body weight and craniofacial bone growth that persisted into adulthood, but BCAA supplementation did not rescue such deficits. Conclusions: Maternal protein restriction in obese dams enhanced maternal energy expenditure but impaired offspring growth and development. Although BCAA supplementation improved maternal energy balance, it was insufficient to reverse the adverse effects of maternal protein restriction on offspring growth under obesogenic conditions. Full article

Non-syndromic Orofacial clefts (NSOFCs) are among the most common congenital anomalies globally, yet evidence on maternal dietary and nutritional risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa is limited. A matched case–control study with 103 mothers of children with non-syndromic OFCs and 103 control mothers of unaffected children was conducted to assess dietary patterns, food security, and supplement use. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and patterns were identified through principal component analysis. Household food security was measured using the USDA 18-item scale, and periconceptional multivitamin and folic acid use were recorded. Logistic regression models examined the associations. Three major dietary patterns emerged: Sweet and Energy-Dense, Staple Plant-Based, and Animal Protein–Vegetable. Higher adherence to Sweet and Energy-Dense (Highest tertile, T3: OR = 22.27; 95% CI: 8.71–56.91, p < 0.001) and Staple Plant-Based (T3: OR = 4.07; 95% CI: 1.70–9.73, p = 0.002) was associated with increased OFC odds, while the Animal Protein–Vegetable pattern suggested a borderline protective association (T3: OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.19–1.03, p = 0.048). Severe food insecurity was more common among case-mothers (49.5%) than controls (39.8%). Periconceptional use of multivitamins and folic acid was low (<15%) in both groups. These findings highlight the importance of improving maternal diet quality and addressing food insecurity in resource-limited settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Maternal nutrition and pregestational BMI are critical determinants of pregnancy outcomes. This prospective multicenter observational study investigated the interplay between prepregnancy BMI, dietary patterns, and oxidative/inflammatory status in 153 Italian healthy pregnant women with normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), or obesity (OB). Methods: Detailed clinical, biochemical, placental, and neonatal data were measured at third trimester and delivery. Dietary intake was assessed via a validated questionnaire, and dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis. Results: OW and OB women had significantly higher levels of inflammatory (CRP, hepcidin) and oxidative stress biomarkers (DNA/RNA damage, catalase activity) than NW. Multivariate models confirmed independent associations between BMI and these biomarkers (CRP: β = 0.297, p = 0.000; hepcidin: β = 1.419, p = 0.006; DNA/RNA damage: β = 409.9, p = 0.000; catalase activity: β = 1.536, p = 0.000). Superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity were not associated with BMI. Nutritional intake across BMI groups was largely suboptimal relative to national recommendations, with insufficient levels of polyunsaturated fats and key micronutrients. Four dietary patterns were identified, with adherence varying by BMI. A “prudent-style” pattern (high plant, low animal) was positively associated with gestational age (β = 0.243, p = 0.033) and inversely with neonatal head circumference (β = −0.414, p = 0.050). A “Western-like” pattern (high sugars, snacks, animal fats) was linked to reduced maternal ferritin (β = −2.093, p = 0.036) and increased neonatal head circumference (β = 0.403, p = 0.036). However, not all deviations from the “prudent-style” pattern were metabolically equivalent: while Pattern 3 (high-protein, carbohydrate) may offer partial protective effects, Pattern 4 (moderate protein/plant/sugar) displayed elements of nutritional imbalance with signs of placental inefficiency (β = −0.384, p = 0.023). Conclusions: These findings underscore the dual impact of maternal BMI and diet quality on oxidative-inflammatory balance and perinatal outcomes, supporting the need for early, individualized nutritional strategies in pregnancy. This is further emphasized by the variability in dietary adherence across BMI categories. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low folate intake before and during pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes. Gene variants such as MTHFR 677C>T (rs1801133) may increase risks associated with suboptimal folate intake. Our objective was to use BALB/cJ Mthfr^677C>T mice to evaluate the effects of the TT genotype and low folate diets on embryonic development and MTHFR protein expression in pregnant mice. Methods: Female 677CC (mCC) and 677TT (mTT) mice were fed control (2 mg folic acid/kg (2D)), 1 mg folic acid/kg (1D) and 0.3 mg folic acid/kg (0.3D) diets before and during pregnancy. Embryos and maternal tissues were collected at embryonic day 10.5. Embryos were examined for developmental delays and defects. Methyltetrahydrofolate (methylTHF) and total homocysteine (tHcy) were measured in maternal plasma, and MTHFR protein expression was evaluated in maternal liver. Results: MethylTHF decreased due to the experimental diets and mTT genotype. tHcy increased due to 0.3D and mTT genotype; mTT 0.3D mice had significantly higher tHcy than the other groups. MTHFR expression was lower in mTT liver than mCC. MTHFR protein expression increased due to low folate diets in mCC mice, whereas in mTT mice, MTHFR expression increased only due to 1D. Developmental delays were increased in the litters of mTT mice fed 1D and 0.3D. Conclusions: The Mthfr^677C>T mouse models the effects of the MTHFR 677TT genotype in humans and provides a folate-responsive model for examination of the effects of folate intake and the MTHFR 677C>T variant during gestation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite ongoing national interventions, pockets of acute malnutrition persist in rural settings of South Africa, contributing to disproportionate rates of child morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with acute malnutrition among under-five children attending primary healthcare facilities in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal Province, with a specific focus on dietary diversity and selected infant and young child feeding indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional, facility-based study was conducted among 415 mother–child pairs attending five randomly selected PHC facilities in the Msinga sub-district. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling design from a sampling frame of 18,797 under-five children. Of the 551 mother–child pairs approached; the final analytic sample comprised 415 observations. Data were collected through structured interviews, anthropometric assessments, and dietary diversity scores (DDS). Data were analyzed using Stata 18, and Poisson regression was applied to identify risk factors. Results: The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 29% based on weight-for-height/length z-scores (WHZ/WLZ) and 27% based on mid–upper-arm circumference z-scores (MUACZ). Children aged ≥36 months had significantly higher prevalence of acute malnutrition (aPR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.15–2.10). Children from households with five or more members had reduced risk (aPR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45–0.74), and those born full-term showed a strong protective association (aPR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.23–0.64). Maternal age was associated with reduced risk, with children of mothers aged 25–34 years (aPR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48–0.93) and ≥35 years (aPR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35–0.84) experiencing significantly lower prevalence. Mixed feeding was significantly associated with reduced risk (aPR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.55–1.17), while a DDS ≥4 was protective (aPR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.04–0.84). Consumption of protein-rich foods was notably low, with only 21% consuming flesh foods and 10% consuming eggs. Conclusions: Acute malnutrition in under-five children was significantly associated with poor diet quality, older age, low household income, and mixed feeding practices. Protective factors included full-term pregnancy, larger households, older maternal age, and adequate dietary diversity, highlighting the importance of targeted, multisectoral interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to assess dietary quality among Chinese pregnant women across three gestational trimesters using different assessment indices while investigating the relationship between dietary patterns and longitudinal alterations in maternal body composition parameters and bone mineral density (BMD) during pregnancy. Methods: A total of 556 healthy pregnant women were recruited. Dietary intake was assessed utilizing a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Diet quality was evaluated through three indices: the Dietary Balance Index for Pregnant Women (DBI-P), the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), and the Eastern Health Diet Index (EHDI). Multiple linear regression models and mediation analyses were constructed to elucidate the relationships between dietary indices, body composition parameters, and BMD. Results: In the first trimester, excessive dietary intake was associated with increased maternal fat mass but reduced BMD, while insufficient intake correlated with declines in muscle mass, water compartments, and inorganic salt levels. Pro-inflammatory diets further exacerbated reductions in non-fat body composition, including protein and muscle mass. By the second trimester, low-quality diets continued to negatively affect muscle mass and water balance, whereas no significant dietary effects on body composition or BMD were observed in the third trimester. Mediation analyses revealed that body composition partially mediated the relationship between dietary imbalance and reduced BMD. Conclusions: Unbalanced, pro-inflammatory, and low-quality diets during early-to-mid pregnancy contribute to adverse changes in maternal body composition and bone health, especially in the first and second trimesters, with the DBI-P index demonstrating superior applicability for assessing dietary impacts in Chinese pregnant women. 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

Both perinatal malnutrition and elevated glucocorticoids are pivotal triggers of the growing global pandemic of metabolic diseases. Here, we studied the effects of metabolic stress responsiveness on glucose–insulin homeostasis and pancreatic-islet function in male Wistar offspring whose mothers underwent protein restriction during lactation. During the first two weeks after delivery, lactating dams were fed a low-protein (4% protein, LP group) or normal-protein diet (22.5% protein, NP group). At 90 days of age, male rat offspring were challenged with food deprivation (72 h of fasting), intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of dexamethasone (2 µL, 2.115 mmol/L) or chronic intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg body weight/5 days). Body weight, food intake, intravenous glucose tolerance test (ivGTT) results, insulin secretion and biochemical parameters were assessed. LP rats did not display significant metabolic changes after long-term starvation (p > 0.05) or under the central effect of dexamethasone (p = 0.999). Chronic dexamethasone induced rapid hyperglycemia (~1.2-fold, p < 0.001) and hyperinsulinemia (NP: 65%; LP: 216%; p < 0.001), decreased insulin sensitivity (NP: ~2-fold; LP: ~4-fold; p < 0.001), reduced insulinemia (20%) and increased glycemia (35%) only in NP rats under ivGTT conditions (p < 0.001). Glucose and acetylcholine insulinotropic effects, as well as the muscarinic receptor antagonist response, were reduced by chronic dexamethasone only in pancreatic islets from NP rats (p < 0.05). The direct effect of dexamethasone on pancreatic islets reduced insulin secretion (NP: 60.2%, p < 0.001; LP: 33.8%, p < 0.001). Peripheral glucose–insulin dyshomeostasis and functional failure of pancreatic islets in LP rats, as evidenced by an impaired acute and chronic response to metabolic stress, may be due to excessive corticosterone action as a long-term consequence. Full article

Background/Aims: High intakes of free sugars may have negative effects on health perhaps associated with their effect on nutrient and food group intakes. The primary aim of the study was to compare nutrient and food group intakes between children with habitual high or low intakes of free sugars to identify which foods could be targeted to improve the diets of children consuming excess free sugars. The secondary aim was to assess antecedents for a child being in the high free sugars group compared with the low to identify the age at which an intervention would be most effective. Methods: The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children collected 3-day food records from children at ages 7, 10, and 13 years. Increments of 5% of energy from free sugars (%E-FS) were calculated. Two groups of children were identified: those consuming ≤15%E-FS each time (Low-FS) and those consuming >20%E-FS each time (High-FS). Their mean daily nutrient and food group intakes were compared at each age using ANOVA. Antecedents of being in these two FS groups were tested using regression models. Results: At each age, 70% of children consumed >15%E-FS with one-third >20%E-FS. Data were available for 4723 children at all three ages, and the diets of the 456 children with Low-FS intakes were compared with 330 children with High-FS intakes at each age. Energy intakes were higher in High-FS than Low-FS at each age, but protein, fat, starch, and fibre intakes were lower. Several micronutrient intakes (e.g., calcium, zinc, selenium, and retinol) were also lower. The High-FS group ate more confectionery and other sweet foods than the Low-FS group as well as six times more sugar-sweetened soft drinks (SSSD) and four times more fruit juice. However, the High-FS group consumed less bread, fat spreads, milk, and vegetables than the Low-FS group. Being in the High-FS group compared with Low-FS group was not associated with maternal education, age, or breastfeeding duration. It was more likely if the child was difficult to feed at 15 months or a picky eater in preschool years and if a dietary pattern low in nutrient-dense core foods and high in nutrient-poor discretionary foods was being consumed at 2 and/or 3 years of age. Conclusions: Children who habitually ate a High-FS diet in mid-late childhood consumed larger amounts of SSSD and fruit juice and less of some core foods than Low-FS consumers. This type of dietary pattern was already evident at 2 years of age and was associated with being a picky eater. To reduce children’s intake of free sugars, support for parents to introduce a healthy balanced diet should be provided in the first 2 years of a child’s life. Full article

A prenatal low-protein (LP) diet disrupts glucose homeostasis in adult offspring. Skeletal muscles are one of the main sites of glucose clearance, and mitochondria residing in the muscle fibers are central to glucose homeostasis. Our previous studies indicated that impaired mitochondrial health is central to dysregulated glucose metabolism in the gastrocnemius muscle of the LP-programmed female rats. In addition, dysfunctional mitochondria are often an indicator of underlying irregularities in energy metabolism and metabolic inflexibility. Therefore, this study examined the mitochondrial function and metabolic flexibility in the skeletal muscles of prenatal LP-programmed adult male rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly allotted to a control diet (20% protein) or an isocaloric LP diet (6% protein). Standard laboratory rat chow was given to the dams and the pups after delivery and weaning. Gene and protein expressions, mtDNA copy number, and electron microscopy were assessed in gastrocnemius (GS) muscle, and the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate was determined using isolated flexor digitorum brevis muscle fibers. The genes associated with mitochondrial outer membrane fusion, mitofusin1 and 2 (Mfn1 and Mfn2), fission (Fis1), and biogenesis (Pgc1B, Nrf1, and Esrra) were lower in the LP group. Further, our functional studies showed that the ATP-linked oxygen consumption rate (OCR), maximal, spare respiratory, and non-mitochondrial respiration-associated OCRs were lower in the LP rats. Further, the mRNA and protein expressions of Ndufb8, a key factor involved in the complex-I catalytic activity, were downregulated in the LP group. In addition, the expression of genes linked to mitochondrial pyruvate transport (Mpc1) and metabolism (Pdha1) was lower in the LP group. In contrast, the expression of mitochondrial fatty acid transporters (Cpt1a and Cpt2) was higher in the LP when compared to the control group. However, electron microscopic analysis exhibited no difference in the mitochondrial ultrastructure in the LP muscle compared to the control. Altogether, our results indicate that the LP diet affects the mitochondrial complex-I integrity and dynamics and leads to altered expression of genes associated with substrate oxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction in the skeletal muscle of the male LP offspring. Full article

Background: Pregnancy is a crucial period for maternal and fetal health, and in Lebanon, where cultural and economic factors influence dietary practices, there is an urgent need to evaluate the food consumption patterns and diet quality of pregnant women. Aim: To evaluate the food consumption patterns, energy intake, as well as macro- and micro-nutrient intake among a nationally representative sample of Lebanese pregnant women aged 18–49 years old. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March to October 2023, involving 500 pregnant women from all eight Lebanese governorates. Sociodemographic and medical information was gathered, food consumption was evaluated using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and three 24-h recall, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Results: The current population did not meet the USDA healthy pattern recommendations for whole grain, seafood, dairy, nuts, seeds and soy products consumption but exceeded the guidelines for vegetables, meats, poultry, eggs, oils, and refined grains. According to Mediterranean diet guidelines, the sample fell short in recommended intakes for fruits, olives/nuts/seeds, eggs, and olive oil, while surpassing the recommended levels for potatoes, legumes, pulses, sweets, red meat, processed meat, and fish and seafood. None of the participants met the energy requirements for their trimester and age group. In terms of macronutrient intake, the requirements for protein, unsaturated fats, and fiber were not met, while intakes of fats and sugars were exceeded. Regarding micronutrients, the recommended levels were not fully achieved, with particularly low intakes of vitamin D and iodine, as well as inadequate adherence to recommendations for iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and choline. Additionally, a third of the participants did not meet the recommended intakes for folate and vitamin B12. Conclusions: The findings reveal significant dietary inadequacies among the current population, with participants failing to meet essential recommendations for whole grains and key food groups, alongside insufficient energy intake for their trimesters and age groups. Critical micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D, iodine, and B vitamins, highlight the urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions and public health initiatives to improve dietary practices among pregnant women in Lebanon. Full article

Background/Objectives: An adapted version of an online pictorial food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), VioScreen-Allergy, assesses total dietary intake and intake of allergens and foods in the maternal diet index (MDI), linked to offspring allergy. This study assessed intermethod reliability, test–retest reliability, and external validity of the VioScreen-Allergy. Methods: Females of childbearing age were recruited at Denver Health and Children’s Hospital, Colorado, USA, and were asked to complete four 24 h recalls and two VioScreen-Allergy FFQs over the course of a month. All those with at least two 24 h dietary recalls and both VioScreen-Allergy assessments were analyzed. Energy-adjusted and non-adjusted linear mixed models (1) compared MDI scores and intake of nutrients and allergens as measures of intermethod reliability; (2) evaluated VioScreen-Allergy test–retest reliability as differences between repeated measurements; and (3) assessed external validity by modeling associations between VioScreen-Allergy-derived intake of beta-carotene and orange vegetables and Veggie Meter^®-assessed skin carotenoids. Bonferroni corrections controlled multiple comparisons within the assessment. Results: Of 53 participants enrolled, 25 demographically dissimilar participants were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences between 24 h recall and VioScreen-Allergy mean intakes of macronutrients, micronutrients, allergens, or MDI, except for Vitamin C, niacin, and cashew allergen protein. There were no significant differences between repeated measurements of VioScreen-Allergy, either energy-adjusted or unadjusted. Both beta-carotene and orange vegetable servings were significantly associated with Veggie Meter^®. Conclusions: Although non-significance could have been due to low power, clinical as well as statistical assessments of intermethod reliability, test–retest reliability, and external validity suggest that VioScreen-Allergy has reasonable utility for trials assessing food allergens and MDI in the context of overall intake. The VioScreen questionnaire can also be used in future studies to assess macro- and micronutrient intake. Additional validation studies assessing different portion sizes and foods eaten by infants and young children are currently undergoing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite advances in maternal nutritional knowledge, the effect of maternal diet, micronutrient status and undernutrition, and the effect of maternal supplementation on fetal, neonatal and infant outcomes still have gaps in the literature. This overview of reviews is intended to assess the available information on these issues and identify the main maternal nutritional factors associated with offspring outcomes in low- and middle-income countries as possible targets for public health interventions. Methods: The literature search was performed in Medline (PubMed) and Cochrane Library datasets in June 2024. Pre-specified outcomes in offspring were pooled using standard meta-analytical methods. Results: We found consistent evidence on the impact of maternal undernutrition indicated by low body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and stature, but not of individual micronutrient status, on intrauterine-growth retardation, preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age, with research showing a possible effect of maternal undernutrition in later child nutritional status. Studies on micronutrient supplementation showed possible beneficial effects of iron, vitamin D, and multiple micronutrients on birthweight and/or decreasing small for gestational age, as well as a possible effect of calcium on preterm birth reduction. Interventions showing more consistent beneficial outcomes were balanced protein-energy and lipid base supplements, which demonstrated improved weight in newborns from supplemented mothers and a decreased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Conclusions: Further research is needed to identify the benefits and risks of maternal individual micronutrient supplementation on neonatal and further child outcomes. Full article

The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of different levels of dietary protein during late pregnancy on the performance of Black Bengal does and their kids. Twelve does were divided into three groups, with four in each, and three diets, i.e., high protein (18% CP), medium protein (14% CP), and low protein (10% CP) were supplied for 50 days, commencing from 100 days post-coitum to parturition. During the first 100 days of pregnancy, uniform rations with similar ingredients were provided to fulfill the nutrient requirements depending on the live weight of does. All three diets were isocaloric (10.0 MJ/kg DM). Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA, and the significance of the difference among means was determined by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The main effects of diet and sex, as well as their interaction, were analyzed by two-way ANOVA by using the GLM procedure. The relative expression values of qPCR were calculated by using the 2^−ΔΔCt analysis method. Live weight gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in high-protein-fed dams than other groups during the experimental period. The milk yield of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in high-protein-fed goats than in the low-protein group. The lactation length of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the high- and medium-protein-fed does than in the low-protein-fed does. The duration of post-partum anestrus of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the low-protein-fed dams than in the high-protein group. The birth weight of kids tended to be higher in the high-protein group but did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. In male kids, weaning weight, final weight, live weight gain, and average daily gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in female kids. Weaning weight was higher (p < 0.05) in kids of the high-protein-fed does than the low-protein group. Final weight and live weight gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of the high-protein-fed does than in the low-protein-fed group. On the other hand, average daily gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of the high- and medium-protein-fed does than the low-protein group. The average body length and wither height of kids at the 32nd week was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than those of the low-protein-fed group. The average heart girth of kids at the 32nd week was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than the medium- and low-protein groups. The survival rate of kids was higher in the medium- and high-protein-fed does than in low-protein group. Hot carcass weight and ether extract content of meat were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the high-protein group than in the other groups. The dressing percentage was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the kids of high-protein-fed does than low-protein-fed goats. The expression of the H-FABP gene was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than those of the medium- and low-protein groups. In conclusion, maternal dietary protein levels positively influences the production performance of Black Bengal does and their kids. Full article