Abstract
Mitochondria are active independent organelles that not only meet the cellular energy requirement but also regulate central cellular activities. Mitochondria can play a critical role in physiological adaptations during pregnancy. Differences in mitochondrial function have been found between healthy and complicated pregnancies. Pregnancy signifies increased nutritional requirements to support fetal growth and the metabolism of maternal and fetal tissues. Nutrient availability regulates mitochondrial metabolism, where excessive macronutrient supply could lead to oxidative stress and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction, while micronutrients are essential elements for optimal mitochondrial processes, as cofactors in energy metabolism and/or as antioxidants. Inadequate macronutrient and micronutrient consumption can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, possibly through mitochondrial dysfunction, by impairing energy supply, one-carbon metabolism, biosynthetic pathways, and the availability of metabolic co-factors which modulate the epigenetic processes capable of establishing significant short- and long-term effects on infant health. Here, we review the importance of macronutrients and micronutrients on mitochondrial function and its influence on maternal and infant health.
Highlights
Nutrition in early life is especially important, as the plasticity of developing organs defines how the organism reacts to challenges later in life
The normal response of the cell to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is mediated through endogenous antioxidant systems, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which are the main enzymes involved in the conservation of redox homeostasis, SOD being essential for the survival of aerobic organisms [16,21]
The relevance of mitochondria clearly extends beyond energy production for the cell
Summary
Nutrition in early life is especially important, as the plasticity of developing organs defines how the organism reacts to challenges later in life. Intrauterine nutrient imbalances can cause changes in gene expression, which may alter the structure and function of certain organs in the offspring [1,2,3]. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy, including malnutrition and excess nutrients, has emerged as a critical risk factor for a number of non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and neurocognitive disorders, among others. Pregnancy entails a challenge for the maternal body systems, due to profound anatomical, physiological, and biochemical adaptations. These changes begin shortly after fertilization and continue through gestation, as a response to the physiological stimuli from the fetus and the placenta [5]. The objective of this work is to review the role of macronutrients and micronutrients on mitochondrial function and its influence on maternal and infant health
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
