Diet in pregnancy and the offspring's blood pressure 40 years later.
OBJECTIVE
To determine how diet of the mother in pregnancy influences the blood pressure of the offspring in adult life.


METHODS
A follow up study of men and women born during 1948-1954 whose mothers had taken part in a survey of diet in late pregnancy.


METHODS
Aberdeen, Scotland.


METHODS
Two hundred and fifty-three men and women born in Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.


METHODS
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure.


RESULTS
The relations between the diet of mothers and their offsprings' blood pressure were complex. When the mothers' intake of animal protein was less than 50 g daily, a higher carbohydrate intake was associated with a higher blood pressure in the offspring (a 100 g increase in carbohydrate being associated with a 3 mmHg increase in systolic pressure (P = 0.02)). At daily animal protein intakes above 50 g, lower carbohydrate intake was associated with higher blood pressure (a 100 g decrease in carbohydrate being associated with an 11 mmHg rise in systolic blood pressure (P = 0.004)). These increases in blood pressure were associated with decreased placental size.


CONCLUSIONS
Mothers' intakes of animal protein and carbohydrate in late pregnancy may influence their offsprings' adult blood pressure. This may be mediated through effects on placental growth.
Campbell
D M
DM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Maternity Hospital.
Hall
M H
MH
Barker
D J
DJ
Cross
J
J
Shiell
A W
AW
Godfrey
K M
KM
D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D010920:Placenta; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D013997:Time Factors
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins