Composition of a maternal high fat diet rich in satured fats and omega 3 in gestation and lactation for studies with rodents

Objective To prepare a high fat diet rich in satured fatty acids and supplemented with omega 3 for experimental studies in rodents. Methods Purified industrial ingredients and flaxseed oil as a source of omega 3 at a concentration of 3.5% (v/w) were used in the elaboration of the diets. Centesimal and nutritional compositions, fatty acids profile and dietary intake were evaluated. Serum levels of total protein, albumin, cholesterol and glucose in pregnant rats were verified. The offspring were assessed with regard to body mass and waist circumference. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Anova One-Way test and Bonferroni post-test. Results High fat and high fat with omega 3 diets presented, respectively, 37% and 36% saturated fat, and the lipid amount was 80% higher than the American Institute of Nutrition 93G control diet. The omega 3 content was 50% higher in the high fat with omega 3 diet. There was no difference in consumption of diet types in weight (grams). The dams that received the High fat diet developed hypercholesterolemia and their High fat offspring exhibited higher body mass on the 1st day of life and increased abdominal circumference on the 30th day of life compared to the control and the high fat with omega 3 offspring. Conclusion The formulated diets with a higher amount of saturated fatty acids meet the nutritional requirements of the gestation and lactation period. The high fat diet with omega 3 was able to attenuate the changes observed in dams and their offspring.