Reduction of the n–6:n–3 long-chain PUFA ratio during pregnancy and lactation on offspring body composition: follow-up results from a randomized controlled trial up to 5 y of age

Abstract

The current study provides no evidence that a dietary reduction of the n-6:n-3 LCPUFA ratio in the maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation is a useful early preventive strategy against obesity at preschool age. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00362089.

Early Programming of Obesity Throughout the Life Course: A Metabolomics Perspective

“…However, intervention studies have not shown effects of LC-PUFA supplementation during pregnancy on offspring body composition [19,20] . It was recently suggested that the maternal metabolome is predominantly influenced by pre-pregnancy obesity and less by dietary intake during pregnancy [21] .…”

Maternal Metabolomic Profile and Fetal Programming of Offspring Adiposity: Identification of Potentially Protective Lipid Metabolites

“…Previous studies have utilized metabolomics to investigate various pre and postnatal programming mechanisms, but are lacking in standardization or statistical power . Consistently, maternal omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acid status, but not dietary n‐3 fatty acid intake, has been found to be protective against offspring obesity risk . However, most of these studies used infant or childhood BMI as an outcome and, thus, the influence of the intrauterine environment cannot be separated from obesity‐related postnatal factors.…”

A Weighty Matter: Can PUFAs in Pregnancy Prevent Obesity?

“…Despite the positive findings in animal models, the human clinical trial evidence does not support a benefit of n-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy on reducing weight, BMI, or body fat of children (5)(6)(7)(8). These trials were conducted predominantly in normal-weight women and supplemented n-3 PUFAs in the form of fish or algal oils using a wide range of doses (5-8).…”

“…These trials were conducted predominantly in normal-weight women and supplemented n-3 PUFAs in the form of fish or algal oils using a wide range of doses (5-8). The largest trial followed up 1,531 children (7), and over 4,000 children have been studied in total (5)(6)(7)(8). In one trial the intervention also included advice to restrict dietary n-6 PUFAs (6).…”

“…In humans, adipose tissue development begins substantially earlier-between 14 and 16 weeks' gestation (13)-so PUFA manipulation may need to start prior to this time (14). Only two human studies started supplementation before the 16th week of pregnancy (6,8).…”