Multigenerational effects of dietary macronutrients intake on the metabolic phenotype of male Wistar rats

The thrifty phenotype hypothesis proposes that poor nutrition in utero results in poor fetal growth and increased susceptibility to metabolic syndrome (MetS) [1]. This is because, when the in utero environment is malnourished or over-nourished, metabolic adaptations are introduced into the phenotype of the fetus to allow for optimal utilisation of resources in order to survive the harsh, unnatural environment. However, when the newborn is then exposed to a normal environment at birth with adequate optimal nutrition, these metabolic phenotypes continue manifesting and lead to imbalances.

Source: Nutrition - July 15, 2018 Category: Nutrition Authors: T.G. Adedeji, A.A. Fasanmade, E.O. Olapade-Olaopa Source Type: research