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Body composition and fat distribution during the first 2 weeks of gestation in ad lib.-fed and energy-restricted rats

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 March 2008

Annica Sohlström ,
Nazma Kabir ,
Aija Sadurskis  and
Elisabet Forsum
Annica Sohlström
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital F60, NOVUM, S-141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
Nazma Kabir
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital F60, NOVUM, S-141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
Aija Sadurskis
Affiliation:
Department of Metabolic Research, Wenner-Gren Institute, University of Stockholm, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
Elisabet Forsum
Affiliation:
Department of Nutrition, University of Uppsala, Dag Harnmarskjölds väg 21, S-752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract

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Knowledge about changes in body composition during gestation is of interest when estimating energy requirements during pregnancy, and relevant since reproduction is often surprisingly well maintained in malnourished females. Due to difficulties in conducting such studies in humans, studies in rats are of interest. Therefore, maternal retention of fat and fat-free weight was estimated in rats during the first 2 weeks of gestation and during a corresponding time period in virgin controls. Groups fed ad lib. or 70 % of ad lib. intake during the 4 weeks preceding conception and during gestation were studied. Retention was estimated by comparing pregnant and virgin rats with rats killed at the time of conception. Body fat was analysed chemically and fat-free weight was body weight minus body fat. Each rat was divided into twelve to fourteen parts and the fat content of each part was analysed. Pregnant ad lib.-fed rats retained more fat and fat-free weight than did virgin ad lib.-fed controls. In the energy-restricted group the pregnant rats retained more fat-free weight while virgin rats retained slightly more fat than did pregnant rats. The difference between pregnant and virgin rats with respect to the amount of fat in the different body parts was small in both feeding groups. Thus, the statement that fat stored at specific sites in the maternal body represents an important source of energy for use during lactation was not supported. The findings suggest that pregnancy stimulates growth of the maternal body and that chronic moderate energy restriction curtails this growth.

Keywords

Body compositionEnergy restrictionFat distributionGrowthGestationRat
Type
Effects of energy restriction on body composition in pregenat rats
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 71 , Issue 3 , March 1994 , pp. 317 - 333
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 1994

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