Abstract
Sodium is an essential nutrient for growth. The effects of its deficiency during gestation remain controversial. Some studies have shown fetal growth retardation while others have shown no effect. This study investigated the effects of graded sodium restricted diets on maternal and fetal growth. Thirty-four three day pregnant,S-D rats were randomized into four different sodium intake groups. The total sodium dose during the experiment was: 7000ueq(Control),5000ueq(E1), 3000ueq(E2), 1000ueq(E3). On day 20 of gestation the pregnancies were terminated. There was no difference in litter sizes. Analysis of covariance for litter weight to litter size for the four groups showed no difference in fetal growth.
The maternal minus fetal weight gain was linear to total sodium ingested Y=17.3+008X, p<.001, r=0.83, as was maternal bone sodium concentration Y=210+.0053X, p<.001, r=0.79. There were no differences in fetal concentrations of N, Na, K, Cl, Ca or fat. We conclude that graded sodium deficient diets during gestation cause a proportionate loss of maternal weight and bone sodium but cause no significant fetal growth retardation.
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Glista, B., Levine, J. & Fine, B. EFFECT OF DIETARY SODIUM DEPRIVATION DURING PREGNANCY. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 292–293 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01203
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01203
