Diet in pregnancy and the offspring's blood pressure 40 years later

Objective To determine how diet of the mother in pregnancy influences the blood pressure of the offspring in adult life. Design A follow up study of men and women born during 1948-1954 whose mothers had taken part in a survey of diet in late pregnancy. Setting Aberdeen, Scotland. Population Two hundred and fifty-three men and women born in Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. Main outcome measure Systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Results The relations between the diet of mothers and their offsprings' blood pressure were complex. When the mothers' intake of animal protein was less than 50 g daily, a higher carbohydrate intake was associated with a higher blood pressure in the offspring (a 100 g increase in carbohydrate being associated with a 3 mmHg increase in systolic pressure (P = 0.02)). At daily animal protein intakes above 50 g, lower carbohydrate intake was associated with higher blood pressure (a 100 g decrease in carbohydrate being associated with an 11 mmHg rise in systolic blood pressure (P = 0.004)). These increases in blood pressure were associated with decreased placental size. Conclusion Mothers' intakes of animal protein and carbohydrate in late pregnancy may influence their offsprings' adult blood pressure. This may be mediated through effects on placental growth.