Associations between birth weight and CVD in adult life are supported by experiments showing that undernutrition in fetal life programmes blood pressure. In rats, the feeding of a maternal low-protein (MLP) diet during gestation programmes hypertension. The present study aimed to assess the potential for a nutritional insult to impact across several generations. Pregnant female Wistar (F0) rats were fed a control (CON; n 10) or MLP (n 10) diet throughout gestation. At delivery all animals were fed a standard laboratory chow diet. At 10 weeks of age, F1 generation offspring were mated to produce a second generation (F2) without any further dietary change. The same procedure produced an F3 generation. Blood pressure in all generations was determined at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age and nephron number was determined at 10 weeks of age. F1 generation MLP-exposed offspring exhibited raised (P < 0·001) systolic blood pressure (male 143 (sem 4) mmHg; female 141 (sem 4) mmHg) compared with CON animals (male 132 (sem 3) mmHg; female 134 (sem 4) mmHg). Raised blood pressure and reduced nephron number was also noted in the F2 generation (P < 0·001) and this intergenerational transmission occurred via both the maternal and paternal lines, as all three possible offspring crosses (MLP × CON, CON × MLP and MLP × MLP) were hypertensive (132 (sem 3) mmHg) compared with CON animals (CON × CON; 123 (sem 2) mmHg). No effect was noted in the F3 generation. It is concluded that fetal protein restriction may play a critical role in determining blood pressure and overall disease risk in a subsequent generation.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether ultrasound-derived prediction equations for estimating total and regional skeletal muscle (SM) mass in adults are applicable for prepubertal children and adolescents. Ten Japanese prepubertal children and twenty-one adolescents volunteered for the study. Contiguous MRI images with a 1 cm slice thickness were obtained from the first cervical vertebra to the ankle joints as reference data. The SM volume was calculated from the summation of digitised cross-sectional areas. The regional SM volume was determined by anatomical landmarks visible in the scanned images. The volume units were converted into mass by an assumed SM density (1·041 g/cm3). Muscle thickness was measured by B-mode ultrasound at nine sites on different muscles (lateral forearm, anterior and posterior upper arm, abdomen, subscapular, anterior and posterior thigh, anterior and posterior lower leg). Total and regional SM mass was estimated using adult prediction equations. Mean values between measured and predicted total and regional segments of SM mass were not significantly different for adolescents, but were for prepubertal children. There was a relatively large range of the 95 % limits of agreement both in prepubertal children and adolescents. These results suggest that the adult ultrasound-derived prediction equations are useful for estimating total and regional SM mass for adolescents at the group level, but the relatively high degree of variability suggested limited reliability at the individual level both in prepubertal children and adolescents.

Long-chain n-3 PUFA (LCn-3PUFA) including DHA and EPA, are known to decrease inflammation by inhibiting arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism to eicosanoids, decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing immune cell function. The aim of this study was to determine if EPA and DHA reduced the release of inflammatory mediators from airway epithelial cells infected with rhinovirus (RV). Airway epithelial cells (Calu-3) were incubated with EPA, DHA and AA for 24 h, followed by rhinovirus infection for 48 h. IL-6, IL-8 and interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10) released by cells were measured using ELISA. Viral replication was measured by serial titration assays. The fatty acid content of cells was analysed using GC. Cellular viability was determined by visual inspection of cells and lactate dehydrogenase release. DHA (400 μm) resulted in a significant 16 % reduction in IL-6 release after RV-43 infection, 29 % reduction in IL-6 release after RV-1B infection, 28 % reduction in IP-10 release after RV-43 infection and 23 % reduction in IP-10 release after RV-1B infection. Cellular DHA content negatively correlated with IL-6 and IP-10 release. None of the fatty acids significantly modified rhinovirus replication. DHA supplementation resulted in increased cellular content of DHA at the cost of AA, which may explain the decreased inflammatory response of cells. EPA and AA did not change the release of inflammatory biomarkers significantly. It is concluded that DHA has a potential role in suppressing RV-induced airway inflammation.

The influence of the form of phytic acid on the regulation of mucin and endogenous losses of amino acids, nitrogen and energy in chickens was investigated. Forty-eight 10-week-old male broilers were grouped by weight into eight blocks of six cages with one bird per cage. Birds received by intubation six dextrose-based combinations of phytic acid and phytase arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial consisting of phytic acid form (no phytic acid, 1·0 g free phytic acid or 1·3 g magnesium–potassium phytate) and phytase (0 or 1000 units). Each bird received the assigned combination added to 25 g dextrose at each of the two feedings on the first day of experimentation. All excreta were collected continuously for 54 h following feeding and frozen until analysed. Frozen excreta were thawed, pooled for each bird, lyophilised, ground, and analysed for DM, energy, nitrogen, amino acids, mucin, and sialic and uric acids. Chickens fed either magnesium–potassium phytate or free phytic acid showed increased (P < 0·05) loss of crude mucin and sialic acid. The amount of crude mucin lost was significantly greater (P < 0·05) with magnesium–potassium phytate than with free phytic acid treatment. Both phytic acid treatments also increased (P < 0·05) endogenous loss of threonine, proline and serine. In conclusion, the form of phytic acid fed to chickens affects the extent of mucin and endogenous amino acid losses from the gastrointestinal tract.

Immigrants comprise a noteworthy segment of the European population whose numbers are increasing. Research on the dietary habits of immigrants is critical for correctly providing diet counselling and implementing effective interventions. The aim of the present study was to identify the presently used methods and adaptations required for measuring dietary intake in European immigrant groups. A comprehensive review strategy included a structured MEDLINE search, related references and key expert consultations. The review targeted adults from non-European union (European union-15 countries) ethnic groups having the largest populations in Europe. As studies evaluating nutrient intake were scarce, papers evaluating intake at the level of foods were included. Forty-six papers were selected. Although Eastern Europe, Turkey, Africa (North, Sub-Saharan and Afro-Caribbean), Asia and Latin America represented the most numerous immigrant groups, papers on dietary intake were not available for all populations. Interview-administered FFQ and repeated 24 hour recalls were the most frequently applied instruments. Inclusion of ethnic foods and quantification of specific portion sizes of traditional foods and dishes in assessment tools as well as food composition databases were commonly identified problems. For FFQ, food list elaboration required particular consideration to reflect key ethnic foods and relative contribution to nutrient intake. Extra efforts were observed to overcome cultural barriers to study participation. Evaluating dietary intake of immigrant populations requires special attention to various methodological aspects (sampling, recruiting, instruments used, method of administration, food composition database, acculturation, etc.) so as to adequately address the range of socio-cultural factors inherent in these nutritionally at risk target groups.

Dried plums are a fruit high in pectin with substantial antioxidant activity. Previous studies in rats and man indicate that dried plums or plum fibre lower liver and plasma cholesterol, respectively. The apoE-deficient mouse, which develops atherosclerotic lesions rapidly when fed cholesterol, was used to determine the ability of dried plums to reduce atherosclerosis. Diets containing 0·15 % cholesterol and either 0 (B+C), 4·75 % (Lo DP) or 9·5 % (Hi DP) dried plum powder were fed for 5 months. An additional group fed the basal diet without cholesterol (B − C) was included as a negative control. Arterial trees were dissected, stained to visualize lesions, and lesion area was quantitated by imaging software. Urinary thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) excretion and serum amyloid P-component (SAP) were measured as indicators of oxidative stress and inflammation, respectively. Final serum cholesterol was significantly increased and serum TAG decreased in the B+C group and dried plum groups relative to the B − C group. Percentage arterial tree atherosclerotic lesion area was significantly lower in the B − C and Lo DP groups compared to the B+C group (P < 0·05), with a trend for a difference between the B+C and Hi DP groups (P = 0·075). SAP concentration was significantly lower in the B − C and Lo DP groups with the Hi DP group trending lower than the B+C group. Urinary TBARS excretion did not differ among the groups. These results suggest that consuming dried plums may help slow the development of atherosclerosis.

Prebiotics are food ingredients that improve health by modulating the colonic microbiota. The bifidogenic effect of the prebiotic inulin is well established; however, it remains unclear which species of Bifidobacterium are stimulated in vivo and whether bacterial groups other than lactic acid bacteria are affected by inulin consumption. Changes in the faecal microbiota composition were examined by real-time PCR in twelve human volunteers after ingestion of inulin (10 g/d) for a 16-d period in comparison with a control period without any supplement intake. The prevalence of most bacterial groups examined did not change after inulin intake, although the low G+C % Gram-positive species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii exhibited a significant increase (10·3 % for control period v. 14·5 % during inulin intake, P = 0·019). The composition of the genus Bifidobacterium was studied in four of the volunteers by clone library analysis. Between three and five Bifidobacterium spp. were found in each volunteer. Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium longum were present in all volunteers, and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium dentium were also detected. Real-time PCR was employed to quantify the four most prevalent Bifidobacterium spp., B. adolescentis, B. longum, B. pseudocatenulatum and B. bifidum, in ten volunteers carrying detectable levels of bifidobacteria. B. adolescentis showed the strongest response to inulin consumption, increasing from 0·89 to 3·9 % of the total microbiota (P = 0·001). B. bifidum was increased from 0·22 to 0·63 % (P < 0·001) for the five volunteers for whom this species was present.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ethanol extracts of Psoralea corylifolia L. (PCE) and its active component protect against bone loss in ovariectomised rats. We screened oestrogenic activities of the main extract fractions using in vitro assays and identified bakuchiol as the most active oestrogenic component by HPLC and LC/MS, and then demonstrated that bakuchiol had strong binding affinity for oestrogen receptor (ER) α. Seventy female Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to either a sham-operated group (n 10) or an ovariectomised group (n 60). The ovariectomised group was subdivided into six groups, each containing ten rats: vehicle group, two bakuchiol-treated groups (dose of 15 mg/kg per d or 30 mg/kg per d; ten rats for each group), two PCE-supplemented groups (0·25 % or 0·5 % extracts of diets; ten rats for each group) and a 17β-oestradiol (E2)-treated group (20 μg/kg per d). We recorded weight and feed intake every week, and killed all animals after 6 weeks. Blood was collected, and the uterus, kidneys and livers were removed. Bakuchiol has a three-fold higher binding affinity for ERα than for ERβ. Bakuchiol and PCE treatments had no uterotrophic activity even though they demonstrated oestrogenic activity in the in vitro assays. Bakuchiol and PCE treatments reduced postmenopausal bone loss by increasing alkaline phosphatase, Ca concentrations, serum E2 concentration and bone mineral density, and by decreasing the inorganic P level. The present study indicated that bakuchiol and PCE treatments could protect against bone loss.

The change in blood and plasma volume following ingestion of glucose solutions of varying concentrations was estimated in twelve healthy male volunteers. Subjects consumed, within a 5 min period, 600 ml of a solution containing 0, 2, 5 or 10 % glucose with osmolalities of 0 (sd 0), 111 (sd 1), 266 (sd 7) and 565 (sd 5) mOsm/kg, respectively. Blood samples were collected over the course of 1 h after ingestion at intervals of 10 min. After ingestion of the 2 % glucose solution, plasma volume increased from baseline levels at 20 min. Plasma volume decreased from baseline levels at 10 and 60 min after ingestion of the 10 % glucose solution. Heart rate was elevated at 10 and 60 min after ingestion of the 10 % glucose solution and decreased at 30 and 40 min after ingestion of the 2 % glucose solution relative to the average heart rate recorded before drinking. It is concluded that ingestion of hypertonic, energy-dense glucose solutions results in a decrease in plasma and extracellular fluid volume, most likely due to the net secretion of water into the intestinal lumen.

Marine algae are easily produced and are good sources of Fe. If this Fe is bioavailable, algae consumption could help to combat Fe deficiency and anaemia worldwide. The objective of the present study was to evaluate Fe bioavailability, polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity from three species of marine algae distributed worldwide. A total of eighty-three subjects received maize- or wheat-based meals containing marine algae (Ulva sp., Sargassum sp. and Porphyra sp.) in different proportions (2·5, 5·0 and 7·5 g) added to the water to prepare the dough. All meals administered contained radioactive Fe. Absorption was evaluated calculating radioactive Fe incorporation in subjects' blood. The three species of marine algae were analysed for polyphenol content and reducing power. Algae significantly increased Fe absorption in maize- or wheat-based meals, especially Sargassum sp., due to its high Fe content. Increases in absorption were dose-dependent and higher in wheat- than in maize-based meals. Total polyphenol content was 10·84, 18·43 and 80·39 gallic acid equivalents/g for Ulva sp., Porphyra sp. and Sargassum sp., respectively. The antioxidant capacity was also significantly higher in Sargassum sp. compared with the other two species analysed. Ulva sp., Sargassum sp. and Porphyra sp. are good sources of bioavailable Fe. Sargassum sp. resulted in the highest Fe intake due to its high Fe content, and a bread containing 7·5 g Sargassum sp. covers daily Fe needs. The high polyphenol content found in Sargassum sp. could be partly responsible for the antioxidant power reported here, and apparently did not affect Fe absorption.

Clinical safety of consuming plant stanol ester spreads during pregnancy and lactation, the impact on maternal and infant serum and breast-milk cholesterol and the ratios (μmol/mmol of cholesterol) of synthesis and absorption markers were evaluated. Pregnant women (n 21) were randomised to control and dietary intervention groups, the intervention including advice to follow a balanced diet and to consume spreads enriched with plant stanol esters. Participants were followed during and after pregnancy and their infants up to 1 year of age. A mean 1·1 (sd 0·4) g consumption of plant stanols during pregnancy and 1·4 (sd 0·9) g 1 month post-partum increased sitostanol and the markers for cholesterol synthesis, lathosterol, lathosterol/campesterol and lathosterol/sitosterol, and reduced a marker for cholesterol absorption, campesterol, in maternal serum. In breast milk, desmosterol was lower in the intervention group, while no differences were detected between the groups in infants' serum. Plant stanol ester spread consumption had no impact on the length of gestation, infants' growth or serum β-carotene concentration at 1 and 6 months of age, but the cholesterol-adjusted serum β-carotene concentration was lowered at 1 month in the intervention group. Plant stanol ester spread consumption appeared safe in the clinical setting, except for potential lowering of infants' serum β-carotene concentration, and was reflected in the markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption in mothers' serum, encouraging further studies in larger settings.

The significant role of trace elements in human health is well documented. Trace elements are those compounds that need to be present in the human diet to maintain normal physiological functions. However, some microelements may become harmful at high levels of exposure, or, on the other hand, may give rise to malnutrition, when their exposure is too low. The aim of the present study was to provide a reliable estimate of the dietary exposure of twenty-one trace elements in a Northern Italian area. For this purpose, trace element analyses were undertaken on total diet samples collected from a university cafeteria in Pavia, Northern Italy. The average daily exposure for the adult people was calculated on the basis of food consumption frequency, portion size and trace element levels in foodstuffs. The mean exposure values satisfy the Italian RDA for all the essential trace elements, except for Fe exposure in females, and are well below the Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake for all the toxic compounds, showing that the probability of dietary exposure to health risks is overall small. As far as Fe exposure is concerned, a potential risk of anaemia in the female adult population should be considered, then studies aimed at evaluating the Fe nutritional status of adult Italian women should be addressed. In conclusion, while not excluding the possibility that the daily exposure determined in the present study may not be representative of the population as a whole, this study provides a good estimate of the Italian adult consumer exposure to twenty-one trace elements.

Dietary EPA and DHA modulate immunity and thereby may improve the aberrant immune function in obese states. To determine the effects of feeding fish oil (FO) containing EPA and DHA on splenocyte phospholipid (PL) and lipid-raft fatty acid composition, phenotypes and cytokine production, 14-week-old obese, leptin receptor-deficient JCR:LA-cp rats (cp/cp; n 10) were randomised to one of three nutritionally adequate diets for 3 weeks: control (Ctl, 0 % EPA+DHA); low FO (LFO, 0·8 % (w/w) EPA+DHA); high FO (HFO, 1·4 % (w/w) EPA+DHA). Lean JCR:LA-cp (+/ −  or +/+) rats (n 5) were fed the Ctl diet. Obese Ctl rats had a higher proportion of n-3 PUFA in splenocyte PL than lean rats fed the same diet (P < 0·05). The lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio of splenocyte PL was consistent with the lower mitogen-stimulated interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-1β production by cells from obese rats (P < 0·05). Obese rats fed the FO diet had lower mitogen-stimulated Th1 (IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokine responses, but IL-2 production (concanavalin A; ConA) did not differ (P < 0·05). The HFO diet was more effective in lowering IL-1β and increasing IL-10 production (ConA, P < 0·05). This lower IL-1β production was accompanied by a lower proportion of major histocompatability complex class II-positive cells and a higher incorporation of DHA into lipid rafts. This is the first study to demonstrate impaired responses to mitogen stimulation and altered fatty acid incorporation into the membrane PL of JCR:LA-cp rats. Feeding FO lowered the ex vivo inflammatory response, without altering IL-2 production from ConA-stimulated splenocytes which may occur independent of leptin signalling.

We have demonstrated previously that a diet containing skimmed milk (SM) fermented by Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 (LGSP) reduces adipocyte size in Sprague–Dawley rats. Two experiments were conducted to extend these observations in order to elucidate the mechanism involved. In experiment 1, lean and obese Zucker rats were fed a diet containing SM or LGSP for 4 weeks. The LGSP diet, compared with the SM diet, resulted in lowering of the mesenteric adipose tissue weight (23 %; P < 0·05), adipocyte sizes (28 %; P < 0·001) and serum leptin concentration (36 %; P < 0·05) in lean rats. Obese Zucker rats did not display such dietary effects. Only the number of smaller adipocytes was increased (P < 0·05) by the LGSP diet in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese rats. The LGSP diet significantly reduced the serum and hepatic cholesterol in rats. In addition, the LGSP diet led to an increased excretion of faecal fatty acids and total neutral faecal sterols in both rat strains. In experiment 2, Sprague–Dawley rats with permanent cannulation of the thoracic duct were fed either the SM or LGSP diets and their lymph was collected. The LGSP diet lowered the maximum transport rate of TAG and phospholipids. These results indicate that fermented milk regulates adipose tissue growth through inhibition at the stage of dietary fat absorption in lean Zucker rats.

Structural characteristics and baking conditions influence the metabolic responses to carbohydrate-containing foods. We hypothesized that consumption of whole wheat or sourdough breads would have a favourable effect on biomarkers of glucose homeostasis after first and second meals, compared with those for white bread. Ten overweight volunteers consumed 50 g available carbohydrate of each of the four breads (white, whole wheat, sourdough, whole wheat barley) followed 3 h later by a standard second meal. Blood was sampled for 3 h following bread ingestion and a further 2 h after the second meal for determination of glucose, insulin, paracetamol (indirect marker of gastric emptying), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Glucose and GLP-1 responses to sourdough bread were lower (P < 0·05) than whole wheat and whole wheat barley breads. Glucose area under the curve (AUC) for sourdough bread was lower than those for whole wheat (P < 0·005) and whole wheat barley (P < 0·03) breads for the entire study. GIP AUC after sourdough bread ingestion was lower compared to white (P < 0·004) and whole wheat barley (P < 0·002) breads following the second meal. There were no significant differences in insulin and paracetamol concentrations among the test breads. Ultra-fine grind whole wheat breads did not result in postprandial responses that were lower than those of white bread, but sourdough bread resulted in lower glucose and GLP-1 responses compared to those of these whole wheat breads following both meals.

Ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) is a reversible enzyme expressed mainly in the liver, kidney and intestine. OAT controls the interconversion of ornithine into glutamate semi-aldehyde, and is therefore involved in the metabolism of arginine and glutamine which play a major role in N homeostasis. We hypothesised that OAT could be a limiting step in glutamine–arginine interconversion. To study the contribution of the OAT enzyme in amino acid metabolism, transgenic mice that specifically overexpress human OAT in the liver, kidneys and intestine were generated. The transgene expression was analysed by in situ hybridisation and real-time PCR. Tissue (liver, jejunum and kidney) OAT activity, and plasma and tissue (liver and jejunum) amino acid concentrations were measured. Transgenic male mice exhibited higher OAT activity in the liver (25 (sem 4) v. 11 (sem 1) nmol/min per μg protein for wild-type (WT) mice; P < 0·05) but there were no differences in kinetic parameters (i.e. Km and maximum rate of reaction (Vmax)) between WT and transgenic animals. OAT overexpression decreased plasma and liver ornithine concentrations but did not affect glutamine or arginine homeostasis. There was an inverse relationship between ornithine levels and OAT activity. We conclude that OAT overexpression has only limited metabolic effects, probably due to the reversible nature of the enzyme. Moreover, these metabolic modifications had no effect on phenotype.

It has been hypothesised that organically grown vegetables are healthier than conventionally produced ones due to a higher content of phytochemicals. However, few data from controlled human studies exist. The aim of the present study was to compare the carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity of organically and conventionally produced carrots under defined conditions. Furthermore, a human intervention study was conducted to compare bioavailability, plasma antioxidant capacity, endogenous DNA strand breaks and immune parameters in healthy men ingesting carrots from different agricultural systems. Thirty-six volunteers consumed either organically or conventionally produced blanched carrots (200 g/d; 2 weeks) or no carrots in a double-blind, randomised intervention study. No statistically significant differences were observed in the total carotenoid contents (121 (sd 7) μg/g organic v. 116 (sd 13) μg/g conventional) and the antioxidant capacities (0·43 (sd 0·08) μmol Trolox equivalents/g organic v. 0·32 (sd 0·07) μmol Trolox equivalents/g conventional) of the carrots administered to the volunteers. Intake of organically or conventionally produced carrots significantly increased (P < 0·001) plasma α- and β-carotene concentrations in both intervention groups without differences in plasma carotenoid concentrations. Consumption of carrots did not lead to significant changes in the plasma antioxidant status, endogenous DNA strand breaks and parameters of the immune system in all groups. Therefore, these results indicate that the agricultural system has neither an effect on the carotenoid content, the antioxidant capacity of carrots, nor on the bioavailability of carotenoids and on antioxidant, antigenotoxic and immunological effects as assessed in a human intervention study.

In order to assess nutritional adequacy, reliable estimates of nutrient intake are required. Specifically, the EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned (EURRECA) Network of Excellence needs clear guidelines on methods suitable for assessing micronutrient intakes among vulnerable population groups. The objective of this project was to collect, evaluate data and review the suitability of methods used to assess dietary intake of low-income groups across Europe. A comprehensive literature review methodology was employed, which involved structured search MEDLINE, from 1990 to 2008, on (nutrient intake methods) and (validity terms) and (human studies) and finally (low-income terms). In addition, manual searches were conducted for published books and national studies. Seven studies satisfied the selection criteria for inclusion in the review in which four dietary intake methods had been described and validated. Three other studies found in the grey literature used similar methods. Only one study tested a variety of methods to assess reliability and the method preferred by those having low incomes. Preferred methods were 24 h recalls and a FFQ which, compared with the weighed inventory, also yielded higher estimates of energy and nutrient intakes. Many of the methods used in low-income populations have not been subjected to evaluation and consequently may not demonstrate sensitivity and/or specificity when used in this population. Based on one study only, four multiple-pass 24 h recalls are recommended as the most appropriate method for the evaluation of nutritional adequacy in low-income households.

Eighty-eight multiparous sows were used to evaluate whether type and timing of oil supplementation during gestation influences the incidence of low birth weight (LBW). Sows were allocated (eight per treatment) commercial sow pellets (3 kg/d; control diet) or an experimental diet consisting of control diet plus 10 % extra energy in the form of excess pellets, palm oil, olive oil (OO), sunflower oil (SO) or fish oil; experimental diets were fed during either the first half (G1) or second half (G2) of gestation. Growth performance and endocrine profile of LBW ( < 1·09 kg) and normal birth weight (NBW; 1·46–1·64 kg) offspring were compared. Maternal dietary supplementation altered the distribution curve for piglet birth weight. SOG1 sows had a greater proportion of LBW piglets (P < 0·05), whilst it was reduced in the OOG1 group (P < 0·05). Growth rate of LBW piglets was lower compared with their NBW siblings (P < 0·05) when dietary supplementation was offered in G2 but were similar for G1. At birth, LBW offspring of supplemented animals possessed more fat compared with the control group (P < 0·05); LBW offspring of control animals exhibited a more rapid decline in fat free mass/kg prior to weaning. Plasma metabolites and insulin concentrations were influenced by maternal diet and birth weight. In conclusion, maternal dietary supplementation altered the distribution of piglet birth weights and improved the energy status of LBW piglets. Supplementation with MUFA during G1 reduced the incidence of LBW, whereas PUFA had the reverse effect.

Since birth dimensions have prognostic potential for later development and health, possible associations between neonatal birth dimensions and selected maternal plasma fatty acid contents were investigated, using data from 782 mother–infant pairs of the Maastricht Essential Fatty Acid Birth cohort. Unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted regression analyses were applied to study the associations between birth weight, birth length or head circumference and the relative contents of DHA, arachidonic acid (AA), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) and 18 : 1trans (18 : 1t) in maternal plasma phospholipids sampled during early, middle and late pregnancies, and at delivery. Where appropriate, corrections were made for relevant covariables. Significant ‘positive’ associations were observed between maternal DHA contents (especially early in pregnancy) and birth weight (B = 52·10 g, 95 % CI 20·40, 83·80) and head circumference (B = 0·223 cm, 95 % CI 0·074, 0·372). AA contents at late pregnancy were ‘negatively’ associated with birth weight (B = − 44·25 g, 95 % CI − 68·33, − 20·16) and birth length (B = − 0·200 cm, 95 % CI − 0·335, − 0·065). Significant ‘negative’ associations were also observed for AA contents at delivery and birth weight (B = − 27·08 g, 95 % CI − 47·11, − 7·056) and birth length (B = − 0·207 cm, 95 % CI − 0·330, − 0·084). Maternal DGLA contents at delivery were also significantly ‘negatively’ associated with neonatal birth weight (B = − 85·76 g, 95 % CI − 130·9, − 40·61) and birth length (B = − 0·413 cm, 95 % CI − 0·680, − 0·146). No significant associations were observed for maternal 18 : 1t contents. We conclude that during early pregnancy, maternal DHA content may programme fetal growth in a positive way. Maternal AA and DGLA in late pregnancy might be involved in fetal growth limitation.