Effects of Antenatal Micronutrient Supplementation on Plasma Protein Profiles in Nepalese Children

Abstract

Antenatal multiple micronutrient (MN) supplementation in malnourished settings may favor a healthy phenotype in offspring, but mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Plasma proteomics may offer a way to reveal long‐term metabolic effects of early MN exposure. We are applying quantitative mass spectrometry to explore differences in plasma protein abundance in 500 Nepalese children 6–8 yr of age born to mothers who were randomized (100 each) to receive daily supplements of folic acid (FA), iron+FA (IFA), IFA+zinc (IFAZ), multiple MNs, or placebo from 1st trimester to 6 wk postpartum. All tablets also contained vitamin A. Among ~980 plasma proteins measured in ≥ 10% of children, preliminary analysis reveals 9, 10, 8 and 14 proteins were differentially abundant in the FA, IFA, IFAZ and multiple MN vs. control group (all p< 0.01). So far, insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 5, ATP‐binding cassette sub‐family A, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 are differentially abundant from controls in 2 nutrient groups. Insulin‐like growth factor 1 was highly abundant in FA, IFAZ, and multiple MNs compared to placebo. Early life micronutrient exposure may influence early childhood plasma protein profiles by presumably interacting with genes regulating growth and development. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Grants GH5241 and GH614).Grant Funding Source: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation