Maternal soy protein isolate diet during lactation programmes to higher metabolic risk in adult male offspring

Abstract

Soy consumption and its components, including its protein, are related to the beneficial effects of the lipid profile, decreased insulin resistance and glycaemia. However, the safety of the consumption of products containing phytoestrogens in critical stages of development has been questioned, since they may be associated with endocrine-metabolic dysfunctions in adult life. The purpose is to evaluate the effects of maternal dietary soy protein isolate (SPI) during lactation on the breast milk composition, body composition, lipid and glycaemic profiles, and thyroid hormones of dams and offspring at weaning (21 days) and in adulthood (150 days). Lactating rats were divided into casein control (C) and SPI diet groups. At 150 days, the SPI offspring presented lower body protein mass and total mineral content, higher serum FT4, insulin, TC and TG. Maternal consumption of SPI during lactation programmes the progeny to higher metabolic risk profile.

Keywords:

• Soy protein isolate
• lactation
• programming
• thyroid hormones
• lipid profile

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Mr João Pablo Fortes Pereira for technical assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – CNPq) [Process Number: 476867/2011-8], the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) and Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP). A. M. V. was a recipient of a UFOP fellowship, and P. G. B. and M. S. were recipient of a UFJF fellowship.