Effects of caffeine intake during gestation and lactation on bones of young growing rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the extended effect of caffeine intake received during gestation and lactation on the mandible and femur of rats. Timed-pregnant dams were divided into two groups. Dams of group 1 were fed a 20% protein diet throughout the experimental period from day 9 of gestation. Dams of group 2 were also fed a 20% protein diet, supplemented with caffeine (1 mg/100 g of body weight). Upon delivery, 8 pups were assigned to each dam, and the dams were continued on their respective diets. At weaning (day 22 postnatally), only male rats were selected. Pups of both groups were fed a 20% protein diet without caffeine. At day 56 postnatally the rats were killed. Mandibles and femurs were removed and the following parameters analyzed: weight, physical dimension, volume, and Knoop microhardness. Caffeine intake during gestation and lactation resulted in an impairment of femur growth and development and to a lesser extent mandibular growth and development. The early effects of caffeine in the maternal diet were lasting, as noted by the lack of recovery of the offspring even after changing to a caffeine-free diet for an extended time after weaning.