Reduction of the n-6:n-3 long-chain PUFA ratio during pregnancy and lactation on offspring body composition: follow-up results from a randomized controlled trial up to 5 y of age.

Background: It has been hypothesized that the n-6:n-3 (ω-6:ω-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) ratio in the maternal diet during the prenatal and early postnatal phase positively affects the body composition of the offspring. However, only limited data from prospective human intervention studies with long-term follow-up are available.

Objective: We assessed the long-term effects of a reduced n-6:n-3 LCPUFA ratio in the diets of pregnant and lactating women [1020 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plus 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/d together with an arachidonic acid-balanced diet compared with a control diet] on the body weights and compositions of their offspring from 2 to 5 y of age with a focus on the 5-y results.

Sonographic assessment of abdominal fat distribution during the first year of infancy.

Background: Longitudinal data regarding the fat distribution in the early postnatal period is sparse.

Methods: We performed ultrasonography (US) as a noninvasive approach to investigate the development of abdominal subcutaneous (SC) and preperitoneal (PP) fat depots in infants ≤1 y and compared longitudinal US data with skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements and anthropometry in 162 healthy children at 6 wk, 4 mo, and 1 y postpartum.

Results: US was found to be a reproducible method for the quantification of abdominal SC and PP adipose tissue (AT) in this age group.

Human placental transcriptome shows sexually dimorphic gene expression and responsiveness to maternal dietary n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intervention during pregnancy.

Background: Previously we have examined the effect of maternal dietary n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplementation during pregnancy on offspring fat mass. Considering the involvement of the placenta in fetal programming, we aimed to analyze the sex-specific gene expression in human term placenta and its response to the n-3 LCPUFA intervention, as well as their correlations to offspring adiposity.

Results: Placental gene expression was assessed in a control and n-3 LCPUFA intervention group by DNA microarrays, biological pathway analyses and RT-qPCR validation.

Safety and efficacy of a lifestyle intervention for pregnant women to prevent excessive maternal weight gain: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

Background: Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with short- and long-term health problems among mothers and their offspring. There is a strong need for effective intervention strategies targeting excessive GWG to prevent adverse outcomes.

Methods: We performed a cluster-randomized controlled intervention trial in eight gynecological practices evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention presented to all pregnant women; 250 healthy, pregnant women were recruited for the study.

The role of dietary fatty acids for early human adipose tissue growth.

Childhood obesity is increasing worldwide, and all previous attempts to stop this epidemic have shown little success. There is now growing evidence that the risk of childhood obesity is strongly influenced by perinatal determinants, including prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain, and—at least in animal studies—dietary factors during pregnancy and lactation. This review addresses the issue of whether modulation of fat intake and its composition in this early-life period has a potential for primary prevention of childhood obesity.

Breast milk fatty acid profile in relation to infant growth and body composition: results from the INFAT study.

Background: There is some evidence that the n-6/n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) ratio in early nutrition, and thus in breast milk, could influence infant body composition.

Methods: In an open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT), 208 healthy pregnant women were allocated to a dietary intervention (supplementation with 1,200 mg n-3 LCPUFAs per day and instructions to reduce arachidonic acid (AA) intake) from the 15th wk of gestation until 4 mo of lactation or to follow their habitual diet. Breast milk LCPUFAs at 6 wk and 4 mo postpartum were related to infant body composition assessed by skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements and ultrasonography during the first year of life.

Metabolic effects of replacing sucrose by isomaltulose in subjects with type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind trial.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that replacement of sucrose with isomaltulose in sweet foods and beverages improves metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Research Design And Methods: One hundred ten patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive sweet foods containing either 50 g/day isomaltulose or sucrose for 12 weeks as part of their habitual diet under free-living conditions. HbA(1c) at 12 weeks was the primary outcome parameter.

Effect of reducing the n-6:n-3 long-chain PUFA ratio during pregnancy and lactation on infant adipose tissue growth within the first year of life: an open-label randomized controlled trial.

Background: The composition of long-chain PUFAs (LCPUFAs) in the maternal diet may affect obesity risk in the mother's offspring.

Objective: We hypothesized that a reduction in the n-6 (omega-6):n-3 (omega-3) LCPUFA ratio in the diet of pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers may prevent expansive adipose tissue growth in their infants during the first year of life.

Design: In a randomized controlled trial, 208 healthy pregnant women were randomly assigned to an intervention (1200 mg n-3 LCPUFAs as a supplement per day and a concomitant reduction in arachidonic acid intake) or a control diet from the 15th wk of pregnancy to 4 mo of lactation.

Sensory and molecular characterisation of human milk odour profiles after maternal fish oil supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The odourant profile of human milk has been proposed to be modulated by the composition of the maternal diet via the transference of specific food aromas to the milk, such that neonates are exposed to these aromas and are prepared for latter acceptance of specific diets. For that reason the aim of the present study was to investigate whether specific fish oil odour constituents translate into human milk. To achieve this goal, human sensory analyses and qualitative and quantitative instrumental determination of fish oil odourants were performed on the fish oil, as well as on human milk obtained from mothers after long-term fish oil supplementation in comparison to a control group.

Primary care referral to a commercial provider for weight loss treatment versus standard care: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity needs effective approaches for weight loss in primary care and community settings. We compared weight loss with standard treatment in primary care with that achieved after referral by the primary care team to a commercial provider in the community.

Methods: In this parallel group, non-blinded, randomised controlled trial, 772 overweight and obese adults were recruited by primary care practices in Australia, Germany, and the UK.

Gestational weight gain and overweight in children: Results from the cross-sectional German KiGGS study.

Abstract Objective. Gestational weight gain (GWG) has been associated with overweight in offspring. The aim of the study was to assess the association of GWG with childhood overweight and a potential effect modification by maternal BMI.

Effect of short-term high-protein compared with normal-protein diets on renal hemodynamics and associated variables in healthy young men.

Background: High-protein diets are effective for weight reduction; however, little is known about the potential adverse renal effects of such diets.

Objective: The aim of our study was to compare the effect of a high-protein (HP) with a normal-protein (NP) diet on renal hemodynamics and selected clinical-chemical factors.

Design: We prospectively studied the effect of an HP diet (2.