S154 Posters
Conclusions: Maternal MR per se resulted in an increased body
fat and in plasma triglycerides, free fatty acids and total
cholesterol concentrations in the offspring. These changes had
discernible effect on mt DNA damage in skeletal muscles per se
predispose the offspring to insulin resistance and hypertension in
later life.
P2-89 A ubiquinone rich maternal diet (PUFA) leads to raised
content of this beneficial lipid in adult offspring heart
P. Shelley1,2 *, S.J. Heales2, J.B. Clark2, R.I. Jensen1, L. Poston1,
P.D. Taylor1, J.M. McConnell1. 1Division of Reproduction and
Endocrinology, KCL London, UK, 2Division of Neurochemistry,
Institute of Neurology, UCL London, UK
E-mail: [email protected]
Aims: Ubiquinone (CoQ) is essential for mitochondrial function
and antioxidant defences, and is present in polyunsaturated fats
(Huertas J.R., et al. 1991). We have previously demonstrated that
a maternal diet rich in polyunsaturated fats protects offspring from
hypertension (Jensen R., et al. 2005). The aim of this study was to
determine CoQ content in maternal diet and cardiac tissue from
adult offspring.
Study design and Subjects: During pregnancy and lactation rat
dams were maintained on a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA),
saturated fatty acid (SFA) or control (C) diet. The offspring were
weaned onto a C diet and cardiac was collected in male offspring
at 12 month’ of age.
Outcome measures: CoQ concentration was analysed in maternal
diet and offspring heart tissue by reverse phase HPLC. Statistical
analysis was performed by ANOVA and all results are presented as
the mean±SEM.
Results: The CoQ content of the maternal diets was elevated
in the PUFA diet (PUFA 242,448 pmol/mg, SFA 36,734 pmol/mg,
C 7,919 pmol/mg). Left ventricular CoQ content was significantly
elevated in offspring whose mothers were fed PUFA diet
(PUFA 1647±163 pmol/mg, n = 7; SFA 1260±169 pmol/mg, n = 5;
C 1212±79, n = 7. PUFA vs C p = 0.03, PUFA vs SFA p = 0.07).
Conclusions: Consumption of high levels of CoQ during pregnancy
leads to a persistent increase in content of this beneficial lipid in
offspring hearts. Our observations cannot be simply explained by
residual dietary CoQ whose half-life is only 59 hrs in cardiac tissue
(Turunen M., et al. 2000). Supplementation of maternal diet with
CoQ may be of therapeutic value.
This project is supported by the BHF.
P2-90 Processes involved in developing palatable
micronutrient-rich snacks for a pre-conceptional and
intra-pregnancy micronutrient intervention trial; the
Mumbai Maternal Nutrition Project
S. Devi1 *, G. Subbulaxmi1, B. Margetts2, C.H.D. Fall2,
R.D. Potdar1, P. Chheda1, N. Brown2, S.A. Sahariah1, S. Kehoe2.1Mumbai Maternal Nutrition Study, Centre for the Study of
Social Change, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051, India, 2University of
Southampton, Southampton, UK
E-mail: [email protected]
Aims: To develop food-based supplements, in the form of snacks,
for a randomized controlled trial of micronutrient supplementation
of women, from 3 months pre-conception to birth, to improve
fetal growth and infant mortality. Ingredients were, green leafy
vegetables (GLVs), milk and fruit, based on an earlier observational
study in which mothers regularly consuming these foods delivered
babies with higher birth weights.
Study design: Development of a variety of palatable recipes,
achieving target micronutrient levels (beta-carotene, folate,
riboflavin, vitamin C, iron, calcium), suitable for fresh same-
day distribution, and recording of intake. Development of
size appearance taste-matched control supplements, of similar
energy and protein content.
Materials: Food powders dried at ambient temperature, with a
binding vehicle, and (for some recipes) an outer covering. Standard
cooking methods.
Outcome measures:Palatable, recordable and comparable food
snacks.
Results: 25 recipes were adopted for the trial. Target micronutrient
levels were achieved, except for vitamin C (mean beta-
carotene 276 RE, folate 102 mcg/100g, riboflavin 0.48 mg/100g,
iron 10.9 mg/100g, calcium 464 mg/100g). Energy and protein
content were higher (mean 190 kcal and 7 g) in test than control
recipes (mean 100 kcal, 1.8 g). Compliance was achieved in 60% of
women.
Conclusions: We considered: (1) palatability and variety (assessed
by taste panels, feedback from women, and compliance);
(2) correct allocation (packaging); (3) minimal disruption to
habitual diet (assessed by dietary questionnaires); (4) standard
micro- and macronutrient content (assessed by laboratory analysis
& NIN values respectively); (5) microbiological safety. It is
possible to develop palatable micronutrient-rich supplements
using dehydrated foods, and suitable control recipes. Exact
taste appearance and macronutrient content matching with
controls was difficult to achieve.
P2-91 Umbilical cord serum ferritin as a predictor of
neurodevelopment at age five years
A.H. Streubel *, M.A. Klebanoff. Division of Epidemiology, Statistics
and Prevention Research, The National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health,
Bethesda, MD, USA
E-mail: [email protected]
Aims: To study fetal iron stores, as measured by umbilical cord
serum ferritin level (UCSFL), in relation to psychomotor functioning
later in childhood.
Study design: Secondary data analysis of a prospective population-
based multicenter study.
Subjects: Pregnant women at three Scandinavian centers were
enrolled. 1361 children born full term, without congenital
anomalies, and with 5 year follow-up were analyzed.
Outcome measures: Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID)
at age 13 months, and the Weschler preschool and primary scale
of intelligence (WPPSI) and Peabody Developmental Motor Scale
(PDMS) at age 5 years.
Results: UCSFL, maternal age, maternal education, newborn
gender, breastfeeding duration, home screening questionnaire
(HSQ) score, parity, birth size, gestational age, hemoglobin, and
smoking were all evaluated as predictors of neurodevelopment.
UCSFL ranged from 6 510mg/l, (mean 147.7±85.2mg/l). UCSFL was
a significant predictor of WPPSI and PDMS scores, but not the BSID
scores. In linear regression analysis predicting WPPSI score, the
strongest predictors were maternal education, HSQ score, female
gender, and UCSFL (b = 0.02, p = 0.04). For the PDMS-gross motor,
only UCSFL (b = 0.01, p = 0.02) and female gender were significant.
For the PDMS-fine motor, maternal age, education and UCSFL
(b = 0.006, p = 0.03) were significant.
Conclusions: No association was noted between UCSFL and the
BSID scores at 13 months. However, significant positive associations
were noted with UCSFL and WPPSI and PDMS gross and fine motor
scores at 5 years. The role of iron as a fetal micronutrient has
a positive impact on childhood neurodevelopment irrespective of
home environment and maternal qualities.