ABSTRACT
Growing evidence supports the link between maternal nutrition during critical periods of development and obesity in the offspring, with a major focus surrounding the potential obesogenic effect of fructose, as reviewed elsewhere [1,2]. Studies in several animal models and limited human data suggest that fructose-induced metabolic disruptions during critical periods of development, including pregnancy and lactation, may be possible mechanisms that predispose offspring to long-term metabolic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral dysfunction [3-6]. For example, limited human data suggest
Key Points ...................................................................................................................................... 257 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 257
Obesogenic Effects of Dietary Sugars during Critical Periods of Early Growth ...................... 258 Mechanisms of Excess Fructose Exposure during Critical Periods of Development ....................260 Summary and Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 261 Conicts of Interest ........................................................................................................................ 261 References ...................................................................................................................................... 261
that poor diet during pregnancy is associated with development of similar poor dietary habits in offspring [7]. As outlined in previous chapters, there is a strong impact of elevated sugar consumption during early childhood on obesity and metabolic risk [8]. However, consumption of high levels of dietary sugars and sweetened beverages is not uncommon during pregnancy and lactation [9], and in some studies this is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes [9-11]. This chapter provides an overview of the evidence linking excess dietary sugars, especially fructose, during critical periods of development to increased obesity and metabolic disease and summarizes the limited evidence and potential mechanisms of these effects.
