Impact of Maternal Riboflavin Deficiency on the Growth and Development of Offspring Rats

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is crucial for energy metabolism and several physiological processes. Pregnant women have a greater chance of being riboflavin-deficient, but its effects on offspring development remain understudied.

Two-month-old female Wistar (WNIN) rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (AIN-93G diet with 5 mg/kg riboflavin), pair-fed, and riboflavin-deficient (0.5 mg/kg). After 6 weeks, riboflavin deficiency was confirmed in the riboflavin-deficient group. All groups of rats were allowed to mate with male littermates. The pups stayed with their mothers during lactation and received a diet similar to the mothers' during weaning. Four pup groups were studied: control, pair-fed, deficient, and replenished. Blood FAD levels were estimated using HPLC. Reproductive indices in dams, developmental milestones, and morphometric data in pups were assessed. Pups were maintained for 6 weeks (postnatal day 42) before being sacrificed.

Adult female rats fed a riboflavin-deficient diet showed decreased body weight. While maternal fertility and pregnancy indices were unaffected, litter size was reduced in the riboflavin-deficient group of dams. Pups born to deficient dams exhibited delayed milestones, including pinna unfolding, eye slit formation, and fur coat formation. Morphometric measures, such as body weight, body length, and abdominal circumference, were significantly lower. Post-weaning mortality was higher in the deficient group, likely due to hypoglycemia. Replenishment with a riboflavin-sufficient diet partially improved the outcomes.

Maternal riboflavin deficiency impairs offspring growth and developmental milestones. Adequate maternal riboflavin intake is critical for ensuring optimal fetal and postnatal development.