Maternal Supplementation with β‐Carotene During Pregnancy Disturbs Lipid Metabolism and Glucose Homoeostasis in F1 Female Mice

Abstract

Scope: β-Carotene (BC), a substitute for vitamin A, is widely used for its benefits. The present study investigates whether in-utero BC administration can alter lipid and glucose homoeostasis in offspring. Methods and results: Pregnant mice are supplemented with BC (1 mg kg −1 weight) by oral gavage once every 3 days, for a total of six doses. Increased visceral fat may be caused by up-regulated PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) and RXRα/β (retinoid X receptors) in liver and adipose tissue, and glucose intolerance is observed in F1 adult females prenatally supplemented with BC, while F1 males do not exhibit these symptoms. In females, increased serum leptin, resistin, and IL-6 and reduced adiponectin, caused by visceral obesity, may result in downregulated insulin receptor signaling in muscle and further account for glucose intolerance. Increased pancreatic β-cell mass might compensate for the downregulated insulin gene (ins2). Increased glucagon and α-cell mass, accompanied by upregulated glucagon gene (gcg), might also be risk factors for the development of diabetes. Conclusions: Maternal supplementation with BC disturbs lipid metabolism and induces glucose intolerance in F1 female mice, suggesting that BC supplementation during pregnancy should be used with caution.

Vitamin A Requirements in Pregnancy and Lactation

“…Trials of β-carotene supplementation were reviewed in 2012 with inconsistent findings. A 2019 supplementation trial of β-carotene in pregnant mice (1 mg/kg weight by oral gavage once every 3 d) discovered that the supplementation disturbed lipid metabolism, inducing glucose intolerance and offering caution in administering β-carotene prenatally ( 212 ).…”

The Effect and Potential Mechanism of Maternal Micronutrient Intake on Offspring Glucose Metabolism: An Emerging Field

“…Impaired fetal pancreas function was seen in rodent models of vitamin A deficiency (144,145). However, Guo et al found that excessive supplementation of β-carotene during pregnancy disturbed the lipid metabolism of the offspring and induced impaired glucose tolerance in rat models (146). Thus, the proper intake of vitamin A and carotenoids in pregnancy is needed to avoid both maternal excess and deficiency intake.…”