Higher Maternal Plasma n–3 PUFA and Lower n–6 PUFA Concentrations in Pregnancy Are Associated with Lower Childhood Systolic Blood Pressure. Issue 10 (5th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vidakovic, Aleksandra Jelena; Gishti, Olta; Steenweg-de Graaff, Jolien; Williams, Michelle A; Duijts, Liesbeth; Felix, Janine F; Hofman, Albert; Tiemeier, Henning; Jaddoe, Vincent WV; Gaillard, Romy
• Is Part Of: Journal of nutrition. Volume 145:Issue 10(2015)
• Page Start: 2362
• Page End: 2368
• Publication Date: 2015-08-05
• Subjects: PUFAs -- pregnancy -- blood pressure -- childhood -- cohort; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Diet -- Periodicals; 613.205
• DOI: 10.3945/jn.115.210823
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3166

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Suboptimal maternal diet during pregnancy might lead to fetal cardiovascular adaptations with persistent consequences in the offspring. Objective: We assessed the associations of maternal polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations during pregnancy with childhood blood pressure. Methods: In a population-based prospective cohort study among 4455 mothers and their children, we measured maternal second-trimester n–3 (ω-3) and n–6 (ω-6) PUFA concentrations in plasma glycerophospholipids and expressed n–3 and n–6 PUFAs as proportions of total PUFAs (wt%). Childhood blood pressure was measured at the median age of 6.0 y (95% range: 5.7–7.9 y). We used linear regression models to assess the associations of maternal PUFA wt% with childhood blood pressure at 6 y. Results: Higher total maternal n–3 PUFA wt% and, specifically, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n–3) wt% were associated with lower childhood systolic blood pressure [differences: −0.28 (95% CI: −0.54, −0.03) and −0.29 mm Hg (95% CI: −0.54, −0.03) per SD increase of total n–3 PUFAs and DHA wt%, respectively], but not with childhood diastolic blood pressure. Total maternal n–6 PUFA wt% was positively associated with childhood systolic blood pressure [differences: 0.36 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.09, 0.62) per SD increase of total n–6 PUFA wt%], but not with childhood diastolic blood pressure. A higher n–6:n–3 PUFA ratio was associated with higher childhood systolic blood pressure ( P < 0.05). Pregnancy and childhood characteristics only partly explained the observed associations. Conclusions: Higher maternal plasma n–3 PUFA and lower n–6 PUFA concentrations during pregnancy are associated with a lower systolic blood pressure in childhood. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings, explore the underlying mechanisms, and examine the long-term cardiovascular consequences.