MATERNAL VITAMIN B2 ADMINISTRATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF INCREASED ADIPOSITY, OVERWEIGHT OR OBESITY IN THE OFFSPRING
The present invention generally relates to the early prevention of overweight, obesity, excessive fat accumulation and/or associated metabolic disorders in infants or children. For example, the present invention relates to the prevention of overweight, obesity, excessive fat accumulation and/or associated metabolic disorders in infants or children through appropriate maternal nutrition for women desiring to get pregnant and/or during pregnancy and/or lactation. Embodiments of the present invention relate to the Vitamin B2 for use in the prevention of overweight, obesity, excessive fat accumulation and/or associated metabolic disorders in the offspring, wherein the vitamin B2 is administered to women desiring to get pregnant and/or to the mother during pregnancy and/or lactation and to maternal food compositions that can be used for this purpose.
1 . A method for the prevention of overweight, obesity, excessive fat accumulation and/or associated metabolic disorders in offspring comprising administering a vitamin B2 composition to a mother before pregnancy, during pregnancy and/or during lactation.
2 . Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the associated metabolic disorder in the offspring is selected from the group consisting of: cardiovascular diseases; insulin resistance; type 2 diabetes; hypertension; sleep apnea, respiratory problems and/or dyslipidemia; stroke; liver and gallbladder disease; osteoarthritis; and gynecological problems.
3 . Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the vitamin B2 is administered in the form of a maternal food composition.
4 . Method in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the maternal food composition is selected from the group consisting of a powdered nutritional composition to be reconstituted in milk or water, a nutritional formula, a cereal based-product, a drink, a bar, a nutritional supplement, a nutraceutical, a yogurt a milk-derived product, a food sprinkler, a pill and a tablet.
5 . Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the vitamin B2 is administered in an amount corresponding to 0.14-14 mg Vitamin B2/day.
6 . Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the vitamin B2 is to be administered for at least 4 consecutive weeks before pregnancy, during pregnancy and/or during lactation
7 . Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the vitamin B2 is to be administered at least once daily.
8 . Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the vitamin B2 is provided from a natural source, eggs.
9 . Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein overweight obesity, excessive fat accumulation and/or associated metabolic disorders is prevented in the offspring later in life.
10 . Method in accordance with claim 9 , wherein overweight and/or obesity is prevented in the offspring at the age of at least 3 years.
11 . Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein overweight and/or obesity is prevented by reducing fat mass.
12 . Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the mother is a multiparous, overweight and/or obese mother and/or a mother suffering from metabolic syndrome.
13 . Maternal food composition, comprising a powdered nutritional formula comprising a protein source, a carbohydrate source, a lipid source, lecithin, bulking agents and 0.1-9.8 mg vitamin B2/100 g dry weight.
14 . Maternal food composition in accordance with claim 12 , further comprising a component selected from the group consisting of probiotic bacteria, folic acid, calcium, iron, ARA, EPA and DHA.