Epidemiological studies suggest that poor growth during fetal life and infancy is associated with decreased bone mass in adulthood. However, theses observations have not, to date, been corroborated in animal models. To address this issue we evaluated the influence of maternal protein restriction on bone mass and growth plate morphology among the adult offspring, using a rat model. Maternal protein restriction resulted in a reduction in bone area and BMC, but not BMD, among the offspring in late adulthood. The widened epiphyseal growth plate in the protein-restricted offspring is compatible with the programming of cartilage and bone growth by maternal nutrition in early life.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mehta, G., Roach, H., Langley-Evans, S. et al. Intrauterine Exposure to a Maternal Low Protein Diet Reduces Adult Bone Mass and Alters Growth Plate Morphology in Rats . Calcif Tissue Int 71, 493–498 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-001-2104-9
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-001-2104-9