High-Protein Diet in Lactation Leads to a Sudden Infant Death-Like Syndrome in Mice
2011

High-Protein Diet in Lactation Leads to Sudden Infant Death-Like Syndrome in Mice

Sample size: 75 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Walther Thomas, Dietrich Nils, Langhammer Martina, Kucia Marzena, Hammon Harald, Renne Ulla, Siems Wolf-Eberhard, Metges Cornelia C.

Primary Institution: Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen

Hypothesis

Does a high-protein diet during pregnancy and lactation affect offspring mortality and health?

Conclusion

A high-protein diet during lactation significantly increases offspring mortality, suggesting a link to sudden infant death syndrome.

Supporting Evidence

  • High-protein diet during lactation caused a more than eight-fold increase in offspring mortality.
  • The study suggests a unique link between high-protein diets and sudden infant death syndrome.
  • Offspring of mothers on a high-protein diet had lower body weight and survival rates.

Takeaway

Feeding mother mice a high-protein diet can lead to their babies dying more often, which is a bit like what happens in sudden infant death syndrome in humans.

Methodology

Female mice were fed either a control diet or a high-protein diet during mating and lactation, and offspring were monitored for health and survival.

Limitations

The study is based on animal models, which may not fully replicate human conditions.

Participant Demographics

Outbred line DUK mice were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0017443

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