Maternal fructose consumption during gestation increases body weight and fat mass in young adult offspring

Abstract

Increased fructose (FR) consumption is a potential cause of adult obesity and the metabolic syndrome but the extent to which enhanced exposure to FR through pregnancy influences later body mass and composition of offspring has received little attention. Our study examined the effect of FR consumption during gestation body mass and composition in young adulthood. Female rats received 10% FR solution (n=8) or tap water (C) (n=8) throughout gestation and lactation in addition to standard chow. Offspring were weaned at 21 days; 1 male and 1 female/litter were fed standard chow plus tap water to 90 days of age. Retroperitoneal and epididymal (males) and uterine (females) fat was dissected and weighed. Body weight was offspring born and reared to FR dams compared to C (Females ‐ C: 251.9±6.7; FR: 278.6±5.67 g (p<0.01); Males – C: 469.3±7.44; FR: 506.7±13.49 g (p= 0.05). Fat mass was greater in all depots (absolute and relative) regardless of gender (e.g. retroperitoneal depot: Females – C: 2.1±0.11; FR: 3.2±0.27g (p<0.01); Males – C: 6.4±0.74; FR: 10.9±1.57 g (p<0.05)). Exposure to FR through pregnancy and lactation promotes postnatal growth and fat deposition in the offspring irrespective of gender. FR consumption during pregnancy deserves further attention given its potential contribution to obesity in offspring. Funding: NSERC (Canada); British Heart Foundation.