The Influence of Food Restriction During Different Periods of Pregnancy

• Published in: International journal of food sciences and nutrition Vol. 48; no. 2; pp. 129 - 134
• Main Authors: Griggio, Mauro A., Luz, Jacqueline, Gorgulho, Alessandra A., Sucasas, Carla M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basingstoke Informa UK Ltd 01.03.1997; Taylor & Francis; Nature Publishing; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Body Weight; Diet; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Energy Intake; Energy Metabolism; Female; Food science; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Litter Size; Metabolism; Mother. Fetoplacental unit. Mammary gland. Milk; Nutrition; Organ Size; Placenta - pathology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal - physiology; Pregnancy. Parturition. Lactation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Time Factors; Vertebrates: reproduction; Embryonic development; Energy metabolism; Rat; Body weight; Rodentia; Pregnancy; Energy balance; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Energetic cost; Malnutrition; Nutritional status; Nutritional deficiency
• DOI: 10.3109/09637489709006972
• ISSN: 0963-7486

Considering that the energy balance can be affected by factors such as pregnancy and food restriction and that the development of foetuses is different during different periods of pregnancy, the aim of this paper was to study the effects on the maternal and offspring energy balance of food restriction imposed at different periods of pregnancy. Pregnant and non-pregnant rats were subjected to four food intake treatments. Control groups received food ad libitum during the 20 days of the experiment. The other three groups were food restricted by receiving 50% of the control group food intake during the first half, the second half, or the whole experimental period. Food restriction imposed during the first half of the experimental period permitted a recuperation of energy intake, but compared to the control group, the rats gained less energy in the body. The offspring parameters studied were not affected by food restriction during the first half of the experimental period. Food restriction during the second half was more deleterious to the dams and to the offspring, which were born with less energy and weight. When food restriction was applied during the whole experimental period, the impairment in energy balance of offspring was similar to the one observed when food restriction occurred during the second half of pregnancy added to a decreased number of offspring. The dams, however, were more deeply affected than when food restriction was applied during the first half of the experimental period.