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..