Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Prenatal Effects on Growth and Metabolism.

Yolanda Núñez,Ana Heras-Molina,Rita Benítez,Susana Astiz,Consolación Garcia-Contreras,Antonio González-Bulnes,Cristina Óvilo,Marta Vázquez-Gómez,José Luis Pesántez-Pacheco,Beatriz Isabel,Adrián López

doi:10.3390/ani11061699

Abstract

Simple SummaryThe present study aimed to determine benefits and risks of a dietary supplementation combining hydroxytyrosol and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on prenatal development and metabolic traits in swine, a model of intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) pregnancies. No effects were found regarding sows’ weight and adiposity. Treated sows had larger litters, with smaller fetuses. However, these animals had better development of some major organs. Fetuses from the treated group had better glycemic and lipidic indexes, but no effects on anti/prooxidant profiles were found.Maternal supplementation with antioxidants and n-3 PUFAs may be a promising strategy to reduce the risk of intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery, which may diminish the appearance of low-birth-neonates. A previous studies showed beneficial outcomes of the combination of hydroxytyrosol and linoleic acid, but there is no data of its prenatal effects. The present study aimed to determine the possible prenatal implications of such maternal supplementation at prenatal stages in swine, a model of IUGR pregnancies. Results showed effects on litter size, with treated sows having larger litters and, therefore, smaller fetuses. However, the brain/head weight ratio showed a positive effect of the treatment in development, as well as in some other major organs like lungs, spleen, or kidneys. On the other hand, treated piglets showed better glycemic and lipidemic profiles, which could explain postnatal effects. However, further research on the implications of the treatment on litter size and prenatal and postnatal development must be done before practical recommendation can be given.

Highlights

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is critical for fetal growth, with major implications in the developmental competence and health status of the offspring during its lifetime [1]
At the day of sampling (Day 100 of pregnancy), body weight and adiposity and plasma indexes for pro-/antioxidant status and metabolism of glucose and lipids were similar in both control sows (Group C) and sows treated with hydroxytyrosol and n-3-PUFA
We aimed to determine the effects of a maternal supplementation with n-3 PUFA and hydroxytyrosol, from day 35 of gestation onwards, on body composition and metabolic and oxidative stress status in sows and their progeny using an animal model that has previously shown to increase the appearance of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) offspring [4,5,6,7]

Summary

Introduction

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is critical for fetal growth, with major implications in the developmental competence and health status of the offspring during its lifetime [1]. Hydroxytyrosol has been shown to diminish lipid peroxidation in swine fetuses, increasing their availability of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 and n-6 PUFA) [4]. Our group has previously shown the usefulness of this compound to counteract the appearance of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and, to diminish the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) neonates and to favor the postnatal development of the piglets [4,5,6,7].

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