Investigating the effectiveness of a new amniotic fluid test for evaluating the prenatal nutritional environment

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26560063
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Eating habits
• Research Institution: The University of Shiga Prefecture
• Principal Investigator: Sano Mitsue 滋賀県立大学, 人間文化学部, 助教 (20524911)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 羊水 / 胎児 / 母体栄養 / DOHad

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to reveal the extent to which the nutritional environment of the mother during pregnancy influences that of the fetus. Focusing on amniotic fluid, two experiments were performed to obtain insight into the effects of maternal nutritional status on nutrient transport to the fetus: Experiment (1), involving pregnant rats fed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (KD), and Experiment (2), involving an analysis of nutrient-derived components in the blood, urine ((1) only) and amniotic fluid of pregnant women (rats). Sample concentrations of glucose, ketone bodies, free amino acids ((2) only), Tryptophan ((1) only), NAD, folic acid, and vitamin B12 were measured. Pregnant women were administered a food survey in addition. In Experiment (1), ketone body levels in mother and fetuses and conversion ratio of Tryptophan to Niacin in mothers rose in KD group. This finding demonstrated that maternal ketotic state affects the fetus. Experiment (2) is still under investigation.

Free Research Field

代謝栄養学