Calcium supplementation does not rescue the programmed adult bone deficits associated with perinatal growth restriction

Abstract

Low birth weight and poor childhood growth program a variety of adult diseases including bone disorders such as osteoporosis. We have previously reported that offspring born small, as a result of uteroplacental insufficiency, have shorter femurs, lower bone mineral content and a bone strength deficit as adults. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of calcium supplementation from adolescence on growth restricted male and female offspring which have a programmed bone deficit.Bilateral uterine vessel ligation (Restricted) or sham surgery (Control) was performed on gestational day 18 in WKY rats to induce uteroplacental insufficiency and growth restriction. At 2. months pups were a..