Effects of a Maternal Diet Rich in Fiber and Polyphenols on the Lipid Metabolism of Mothers and Their Offspring Early and Later in Life.

Introduction: Maternal nutrition during gestation and early life is a key driver of fetal programming, with long-lasting effects on the offspring's metabolic health. In the context of the growing obesity epidemic, diets rich in fiber and polyphenols have shown beneficial effects due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-regulating properties. Little is known about their influence during the perinatal period, especially in the absence of a high-fat challenge. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a maternal diet enriched in fiber and polyphenols, administered during different perinatal stages, on the lipid metabolism of Wistar rat dams and their offspring at weaning and adulthood.

Methods: Two diets were used: a control diet and the intervention diet enriched with fiber and polyphenols. Plasma lipid profiles were characterized to identify diet-induced alterations. Morphological changes in white and brown adipose tissues were assessed. Moreover, the expression of key genes involved in lipid metabolism was quantified in the adipose tissues.

Results: The results showed no significant differences in total plasma lipid content between dietary groups. However, specific changes were observed in certain lipid species and minor subclasses, such as altered bile acid profiles in dams following the intervention diet. In their offspring, a higher relative proportion of hydroxylated fatty acids, a lower ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio, and reduced total cholesterol and LDL concentrations were detected compared to the control group. The intervention diet only influenced the brown adipose tissue morphology in the offspring at weaning. Gene expression analysis revealed some modifications primarily in the mothers, with changes persisting in the adult offspring.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that maternal intake of fiber and polyphenols can have some influence on the lipid metabolism of the mothers and their offspring, highlighting the potential of early nutritional strategies in shaping metabolic health.