Effects of Maternal Resveratrol Intake on the Metabolic Health of the Offspring

Abstract

Maternal nutritional imbalances, in addition to maternal overweight and obesity, can result in long-term effects on the metabolic health of the offspring, increasing the risk of common non-communicable disorders such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This increased disease risk may also be transmitted across generations. Unfortunately, lifestyle interventions have shown reduced compliancy and limited efficacy. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound reported to have pleiotropic beneficial actions including a possible protective effect against the metabolic programming induced by poor dietary habits during development. However, studies to date are inconclusive regarding the potential metabolic benefits of maternal resveratrol supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the offspring. Moreover, the responses to metabolic challenges are suggested to be different in males and females, suggesting that the effectiveness of treatment strategies may also differ, but many studies have been performed only in males. Here we review the current evidence, both in humans and animal models, regarding the possible beneficial effects of maternal resveratrol intake on the metabolic health of the offspring and highlight the different effects of resveratrol depending on the maternal diet, as well as the differential responses of males and females.

Resveratrol Supplementation in Obese Pregnant Rats Improves Maternal Metabolism and Prevents Increased Placental Oxidative Stress

“…Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound produced naturally by plants and fruits, such as blackberries, blueberries, and the skin of red grapes, which has been shown to have anti-obesogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [ 10 , 11 , 12 ] and thus could potentially exert protective effects in the setting of maternal obesity. In rodent models, resveratrol has been used as a therapeutic agent to treat pregnancy disorders such as gestational diabetes [ 13 ], preeclampsia [ 14 ] and fetal growth restriction [ 15 ].…”

Early Life Programming of Adipose Tissue Remodeling and Browning Capacity by Micronutrients and Bioactive Compounds as a Potential Anti-Obesity Strategy

“…Several reports have indicated beneficial metabolic programming effects of maternal supplementation with polyphenols, including resveratrol, during the fetal and lactation stages, especially in the context of maternal HFD/obesity, as well as a reduction of body fat accumulation and metabolic disorders, such as hypertension, insulin resistance, and inflammation, and cognitive impairment, in the offspring in adulthood (reviewed in [96][97][98]). Since polyphenols have a wide range of activities, their beneficial effects are attributed to several interrelated mechanisms affecting oxidative stress, nutrient-sensing signals, and others [99].…”

Regulatory Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Tea and Its Active Compounds on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

“…Cook et al reported that lower hepatic fat deposition was associated with vegetable consumption, while consumption of dark green or yellow vegetables was associated with lower visceral fat and improved insulin sensitivity . Ingestion of garlic and onions may also reduce the risk of NAFLD . Tajima et al investigated 977 men and 1467 women aged 40–69 years and found no significant association between fruit and NAFLD in middle-aged men and women .…”

“…34 Ingestion of garlic and onions may also reduce the risk of NAFLD. 35 Tajima et al investigated 977 men and 1467 women aged 40−69 years and found no significant association between fruit and NAFLD in middle-aged men and women. 36 A study involving 91,436 subjects showed that increased coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD in Korean and daily consumption of over two cups of coffee reduced fat accumulation in the liver.…”