A recent study has found that consuming a high-fat, high-sugar diet during pregnancy may cause liver stress in unborn babies, with potential long-term health consequences. The research, published in Liver International, highlights how changes in fetal bile acid levels can contribute to liver disease development.
Excess Bile Acids May Harm Fetal Liver
According to the study, unborn babies exposed to a maternal diet rich in fats and sugars experience an accumulation of bile acids. These acids play a crucial role in digestion and fat absorption in the small intestine.
However, excessive bile acid levels can become toxic, leading to liver damage. While the mother’s body has mechanisms to detoxify these acids, the fetus lacks the same capability.
Researchers explained that bile acids may be transferred back to the mother for detoxification. But when this process fails, the acids build up in the fetal liver, increasing the risk of future health complications.
Potential Link to Early Liver Disease
The findings suggest that early exposure to excess bile acids in the womb may contribute to the early onset of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This condition affects up to 30% of young people and is linked to obesity and metabolic disorders.
Jed Friedman, a co-senior author of the study, emphasized the broader implications of these findings. He warned that pregnant women with obesity or poor dietary habits could predispose their children to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases from birth.
Public Health Concerns
The study underscores a serious public health issue. Poor maternal nutrition not only affects the mother’s health but may also have lasting consequences for the child. These findings highlight the need for better dietary guidance and interventions during pregnancy to reduce the risk of metabolic diseases in future generations.
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