DHA Supplementation of Obese Rats throughout Pregnancy and Lactation Modifies Milk Composition and Anxiety Behavior of Offspring

Abstract

Abstract: We investigated if supplementing obese mothers (MO) with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves milk long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) composition and offspring anxiety behavior. From weaning throughout pregnancy and lactation, female Wistar rats ate chow (C) or a high-fat diet (MO). One month before mating and through lactation, half the mothers received 400 mg DHA kg1 d 1 orally (CDHA or MODHA). Offspring ate C after weaning. Maternal weight, total body fat, milk hormones, and milk nutrient composition were determined. Pups milk nutrient intake was evaluated, and behavioral anxiety tests were conducted. MO exhibited increased weight and total fat, and higher milk corticosterone, leptin, linoleic, and arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations, and less DHA content. MO male and female offspring had higher 6 3 milk consumption ratios. In the elevated plus maze, female but not male MO offspring exhibited more anxiety. MODHA mothers exhibited lower weight, total fat, milk leptin, and AA concentrations, and enhanced milk DHA. MODHA offspring had a lower 63 milk intake ratio and reduced anxiety vs. MO. DHA content was greater in CDHA milk vs. C. Supplementing MO mothers with DHA improves milk composition, especially LCPUFA content and 63 ratio reducing offspring anxiety in a sex-dependent manner.