Wrong fat in pregnancy diet 'may make kids fatter'

Conclusion This study of 293 mother-child pairs finds that the mother’s blood levels of n-6 PUFA during late pregnancy influence her child’s body fat levels, with higher blood levels equalling higher child fat levels. The researchers say that n-6 PUFA, derived from plant oils are known to have an influence on fat development. Therefore, they say the observed association may suggest ‘prenatal PUFA exposure could be linked to risk of offspring obesity’. However, though this study has merits, including a representative population sample and carrying out detailed assessment of both the mothers and children, it is difficult to draw any reliable conclusions from it. The study adjusted for child height and various maternal factors during pregnancy, but even with this adjustment it is highly likely that the current body fat levels of the child are influenced by a number of factors, including the diet and activity levels of the child. These in-turn are likely to be influenced by the diet and activity levels of the child’s mother and other parent or family members. Because of this, it is difficult to prove that the mother’s PUFA intake during pregnancy is associated with child obesity. In fact, the study hasn’t actually measured obesity in childhood, it has just looked for associations between pregnancy PUFA levels and child’s lean and fat mass. This study does not change current dietary advice for women during pregnancy. Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Fol...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child Cancer Source Type: news