PROTEIN RESTRICTION IN THE PERINATAL PERIOD AND THE EMERGENCE OF METABOLIC DISORDERS

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1592532214096

• Palavras-chave: Protein restricted diet. Fetal programming. Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• Keywords: Protein restricted diet. Fetal programming. Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• Abstract:

  During the gestational period, it is necessary for the pregnant woman to have a balanced diet so that the fetus has a favorable environment for its development. Thus, this study aims to understand the adverse effects on the fetus of an unbalanced diet during pregnancy through a literature review in databases and journals. It is believed that a low-protein diet during pregnancy induces the fetus to adapt to a non-conforming intrauterine environment, optimizing its energy expenditure for the benefit of its survival. However, at birth, the individual has low weight and is subject to "catch-up", a risk factor for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In pregnant women who received a low-protein diet, the fetus presents functional and structural, such as changes in insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These substances are of paramount importance for the maturation of the pancreas. Dysfunctional or at reduced levels in the pancreatic islets, these factors lead to reduced differentiation, proliferation and functioning of beta cells.