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Perinatal Nutrition: A Strategy to Improve Offspring’s Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition in Women".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 26563

Special Issue Editors

Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: pregnancy; lactation; nutrition; perinatal nutrition; pregnancy; oxidative stress; antioxidant system; inflammation; physical activity; endocrine function; early programming
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: pregnancy; lactation; nutrition; perinatal nutrition; oxidative stress; antioxidant system; inflammation; physical activity; endocrine function
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fetal development and childhood are life stages characterized by the rapid growth, development, and maturation of organs and systems. Any variation in the quality or quantity of nutrients consumed by mothers during pregnancy, or by neonates during the first year of life, can have powerful and permanent effects on the development of tissues and systems. These effects are called "early nutritional programming" and represent an important risk factor for noncommunicable diseases of adulthood, including metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Indicators of nutritional deficit in pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular mortality. There is also evidence that suggests some relationship between breastfeeding, the timing and type of food used after weaning, and disease in adulthood. Experimental studies have provided important insights into the mechanisms that link nutrition to homeostatic disturbances in early life and disease in adulthood. Early programming is a consequence of the high plasticity of cells, organs, and tissues during development, which allows for the development of the embryo or fetus to respond to the peculiarities of the mother's cloister. For most cell types, plasticity is a short-lived feature, occurring only during the embryonic and fetal stages. Therefore, these phases are considered critical epigenetic windows of development, during which any disturbance of processes physiological factors will induce health disturbances and programming effects in humans. Nutritional programming is the result of altered expression of genes that regulate the cell cycle, resulting in effective remodeling of tissue structure and functionality. The scientific evidence linking early life nutrition to health and disease in adulthood is currently recognized as a pillar of health promotion and public health nutrition programs globally.

Prof. Dr. Javier Diaz-Castro
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Nutritional programming
  • Human milk
  • Breastfeeding
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Placenta
  • Gestational anemia
  • Pregnancy obesity
  • Eclampsia
  • Preterm neonates
  • Metabolic disease
  • Gestational age

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 701 KiB  
Article
Do Maternal Factors and Milk Expression Patterns Affect the Composition of Donor Human Milk?
by Agnieszka Bzikowska-Jura, Natalia Machaj, Piotr Sobieraj, Olga Barbarska, Gabriela Olędzka and Aleksandra Wesolowska
Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2425; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13072425 - 15 Jul 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2667
Abstract
A primary role of Human Milk Banks (HMBs) is to provide human milk (HM) for preterm infants and to support the mothers of these infants as they establish their own milk supply. A better understanding of the variation in the energy and macronutrients [...] Read more.
A primary role of Human Milk Banks (HMBs) is to provide human milk (HM) for preterm infants and to support the mothers of these infants as they establish their own milk supply. A better understanding of the variation in the energy and macronutrients contents of donor human milk (DHM) potentiates targeted nutrition for preterm babies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the variability of energy and macronutrients content in DHM and to investigate the impact of maternal factors and feeding practices on the nutritional value of DHM. The study involved 49 donors registered in the HMB in the Holy Family Hospital in Warsaw, Poland. Samples from each donor were pooled within a maximum of two weeks. The composition of DHM, including energy content, protein, fat, and carbohydrate concentrations, was analyzed using the Miris Human Milk Analyzer. The analyses were performed before the pasteurization process. The mean time of milk donation to HMB was 13.2 ± 6.0 weeks. There were no significant differences in energy and macronutrients contents of DHM in the beginning and at the end of milk donation to HMB, however, HM fat concentration was positively correlated with afternoon feedings (r = 0.289, p = 0.044). The method of feeding (breastfeeding vs. feeding only expressed milk) also did not impact the nutritional value of DHM. Future research for the DHM should include a further cross-sectional observational study with the collection of detailed donor information and characteristics of milk expression and feeding practices to further evaluate the pooling processes and the effect on DHM composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Nutrition: A Strategy to Improve Offspring’s Health)
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13 pages, 422 KiB  
Article
Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation during Pregnancy and Increased Birth Weight and Skinfold Thicknesses in the Offspring: The Cambridge Baby Growth Study
by Clive J. Petry, Ken K. Ong, Ieuan A. Hughes and David B. Dunger
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3466; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12113466 - 12 Nov 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2713
Abstract
Multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) in pregnancy has previously been associated with positive effects on fetal growth, but its value in high-income countries remains controversial. In this study, we investigated effects of pregnancy MMS on offspring size at birth and adiposity, along with risks [...] Read more.
Multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) in pregnancy has previously been associated with positive effects on fetal growth, but its value in high-income countries remains controversial. In this study, we investigated effects of pregnancy MMS on offspring size at birth and adiposity, along with risks of various maternal outcomes of pregnancy, using the prospective Cambridge Baby Growth Study. Maternal MMS was reported in 528 out of 970 women who completed pregnancy questionnaires. Gestational diabetes (GDM) was assessed using results from 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests at week 28 of pregnancy. Offspring size at birth was assessed using standard anthropometric measurements and adiposity using skinfold calipers. MMS was associated with increased risk of developing GDM (risk ratio = 1.86 (1.13–3.08), p = 0.02), as well as increased offspring size at birth in terms of weight (p = 0.03), head circumference (p = 0.04), and flank, and subscapular and triceps skinfold thicknesses (p = 0.04, 0.03, and 0.003, respectively). There was no association with quadriceps skinfold thickness (p = 0.2), suggesting that the increased adiposity was partially regionalized. In women who underwent oral glucose tolerance testing, nearly all of these associations were attenuated by adjusting for GDM. These results suggest that the increased offspring size at birth, including (regionalized) adiposity associated with pregnancy, and MMS may be partially related to the development of GDM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Nutrition: A Strategy to Improve Offspring’s Health)
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Review

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24 pages, 1678 KiB  
Review
Fetal Programming Is Deeply Related to Maternal Selenium Status and Oxidative Balance; Experimental Offspring Health Repercussions
by María Luisa Ojeda, Fátima Nogales, Inés Romero-Herrera and Olimpia Carreras
Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 2085; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13062085 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3644
Abstract
Nutrients consumed by mothers during pregnancy and lactation can exert permanent effects upon infant developing tissues, which could represent an important risk factor for diseases during adulthood. One of the important nutrients that contributes to regulating the cell cycle and tissue development and [...] Read more.
Nutrients consumed by mothers during pregnancy and lactation can exert permanent effects upon infant developing tissues, which could represent an important risk factor for diseases during adulthood. One of the important nutrients that contributes to regulating the cell cycle and tissue development and functionality is the trace element selenium (Se). Maternal Se requirements increase during gestation and lactation. Se performs its biological action by forming part of 25 selenoproteins, most of which have antioxidant properties, such as glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) and selenoprotein P (SELENOP). These are also related to endocrine regulation, appetite, growth and energy homeostasis. In experimental studies, it has been found that low dietary maternal Se supply leads to an important oxidative disruption in dams and in their progeny. This oxidative stress deeply affects gestational parameters, and leads to intrauterine growth retardation and abnormal development of tissues, which is related to endocrine metabolic imbalance. Childhood pathologies related to oxidative stress during pregnancy and/or lactation, leading to metabolic programing disorders like fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), have been associated with a low maternal Se status and intrauterine growth retardation. In this context, Se supplementation therapy to alcoholic dams avoids growth retardation, hepatic oxidation and improves gestational and breastfeeding parameters in FASD pups. This review is focused on the important role that Se plays during intrauterine and breastfeeding development, in order to highlight it as a marker and/or a nutritional strategy to avoid diverse fetal programming disorders related to oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Nutrition: A Strategy to Improve Offspring’s Health)
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18 pages, 507 KiB  
Review
Impact of Early Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sleep on the Fetal Programming of Disease in the Pregnancy: A Narrative Review
by Jorge Moreno-Fernandez, Julio J. Ochoa, Magdalena Lopez-Frias and Javier Diaz-Castro
Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3900; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12123900 - 20 Dec 2020
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 8874
Abstract
Early programming is the adaptation process by which nutrition and environmental factors alter development pathways during prenatal growth, inducing changes in postnatal metabolism and diseases. The aim of this narrative review, is evaluating the current knowledge in the scientific literature on the effects [...] Read more.
Early programming is the adaptation process by which nutrition and environmental factors alter development pathways during prenatal growth, inducing changes in postnatal metabolism and diseases. The aim of this narrative review, is evaluating the current knowledge in the scientific literature on the effects of nutrition, environmental factors, physical activity and sleep on development pathways. If in utero adaptations were incorrect, this would cause a mismatch between prenatal programming and adulthood. Adequate caloric intake, protein, mineral, vitamin, and long-chain fatty acids, have been noted for their relevance in the offspring brain functions and behavior. Fetus undernutrition/malnutrition causes a delay in growth and have detrimental effects on the development and subsequent functioning of the organs. Pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable period for the development of food preferences and for modifications in the emotional response. Maternal obesity increases the risk of developing perinatal complications and delivery by cesarean section and has long-term implications in the development of metabolic diseases. Physical exercise during pregnancy contributes to overall improved health post-partum. It is also interesting to highlight the relevance of sleep problems during pregnancy, which influence adequate growth and fetal development. Taking into account these considerations, we conclude that nutrition and metabolic factors during early life play a key role of health promotion and public health nutrition programs worldwide to improve the health of the offspring and the health costs of hospitalization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Nutrition: A Strategy to Improve Offspring’s Health)
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15 pages, 575 KiB  
Review
Congenital, Intrapartum and Postnatal Maternal-Fetal-Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Infections: A Narrative Review
by Rafael A. Caparros-Gonzalez, María Angeles Pérez-Morente, Cesar Hueso-Montoro, María Adelaida Álvarez-Serrano and Alejandro de la Torre-Luque
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3570; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12113570 - 20 Nov 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4835
Abstract
Background: There is inconclusive evidence regarding congenital, intrapartum, and postnatal maternal-fetal-neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. A narrative review was conducted with the aim of guiding clinicians on the management of pregnant women with respect to congenital, intrapartum, and postnatal maternal-fetal-neonatal SARS-CoV-2 [...] Read more.
Background: There is inconclusive evidence regarding congenital, intrapartum, and postnatal maternal-fetal-neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. A narrative review was conducted with the aim of guiding clinicians on the management of pregnant women with respect to congenital, intrapartum, and postnatal maternal-fetal-neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections and breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Dialnet, CUIDEN, Scielo, and Virtual Health Library to identify observational, case series, case reports, and randomized controlled trial studies assessing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to baby and/or through breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 49 studies was included in this review, comprising 329 pregnant women and 331 neonates (two pregnant women delivered twins). The studies were performed in China (n = 26), USA (n = 7), Italy (n = 3), Iran (n = 2), Switzerland (n = 1), Spain (n = 1), Turkey (n = 1), Australia (n = 1), India (n = 1), Germany (n = 1), France (n = 1), Canada (n = 1), Honduras (n = 1), Brazil (n = 1), and Peru (n = 1). Samples from amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, placenta, cervical secretion, and breastmilk were collected and analyzed. A total of 15 placental swabs gave positive results for SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) on the fetal side of the placenta. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in seven breastmilk samples. One umbilical cord sample was positive for SARS-CoV-2. One amniotic fluid sample tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: This study presents some evidence to support the potential of congenital, intrapartum, and postnatal maternal-fetal-neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mothers should follow recommendations including wearing a facemask and hand washing before and after breastfeeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Nutrition: A Strategy to Improve Offspring’s Health)
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18 pages, 307 KiB  
Review
The Role of Early Programming and Early Nutrition on the Development and Progression of Celiac Disease: A Review
by Rafael Martín-Masot, Javier Diaz-Castro, Jorge Moreno-Fernandez, Víctor Manuel Navas-López and Teresa Nestares
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3427; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12113427 - 08 Nov 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2921
Abstract
Experimental and epidemiological evidence has shown that modifications of the intrauterine environment can have deleterious consequences for individuals, expressed as an increased risk of suffering non-communicable pathologies in adult life, which is known as the hypothesis of the early origin of diseases or [...] Read more.
Experimental and epidemiological evidence has shown that modifications of the intrauterine environment can have deleterious consequences for individuals, expressed as an increased risk of suffering non-communicable pathologies in adult life, which is known as the hypothesis of the early origin of diseases or fetal programming. On the other hand, changes in gene expression patterns through epigenetic modifications can be the basis for long-term maintenance of the effects of fetal programming. In this sense, epigenetics comprises the study of intrauterine disturbances, which develop diseases in the adult, including celiac disease (CD). In addition, early feeding practices could influence the risk of CD development, such as breastfeeding timing and duration and age of gluten introduction in the diet. Gluten acts as a trigger for CD in genetically predisposed subjects, although approximately 30% of the world population has HLA DQ2 or DQ8, the prevalence of the disease is only 1–3%. It is not known what factors act to modify the risk of disease in genetically at-risk subjects. Taking into account all these considerations, the aim of the current review is to elucidate the role of early programming and the effect of early nutrition on the development and progression of CD. It is logical that attention has been paid to gluten as a key element in preventing the disease. However, there is no strong evidence in favor of the protective factor of breastfeeding, timing of introduction of gluten during lactation, and the development of CD. Diet, genetic risk, microbiota, and environmental interaction are possible triggers of the change in tolerance to an immune response to gluten, but large-scale cohort studies are needed. Emerging scientific concepts, such as epigenetics, may help us establish the role of these factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Nutrition: A Strategy to Improve Offspring’s Health)
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