At conception, nutrition of the mother as well as the father can influence the child's health

MONTREAL, July 22, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Today we put considerable pressure on pregnant women to eat well and to live a healthy life style. In recent decades, the effects of maternal nutrition at the time of conception on long-term child health have been well documented. But Dr. Adam Watkins and his School of Biosciences team at the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, have shown that the nutrition of the father could also have an influence on the health of offspring.

The researchers studied the effects of parental diet on mice using in vitro assisted reproduction techniques and embryo transfer. When the mother was fed a low protein diet, the offspring developed hypertension, elevated adiposity, and altered behavior. And when the father was fed with the same diet, offspring developed hypotension and impaired glucose tolerance (precursor symptom of diabetes). This remarkable finding indicates that the nutrition of both parents contributes to the health of their offspring.

Dr. Adam Watkins, an internationally renowned scientist, will present his results at the 46th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

For more information: http://www.ssr.org

INTERVIEWS AND ACCREDITATION: The speakers and experts present will make themselves available to discuss their research. Media wishing to schedule an interview or obtain accreditation are asked to contact Bruce D. Murphy, Ph.D., Co-Chair of the SSR Local Arrangement Committee ([email protected]).

About the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR)

The SSR's purpose is to promote the study of the biological and medical aspects of fertility and reproduction by fostering interdisciplinary communication. It holds an annual conference and publishes the journal Biology of Reproduction on a monthly basis.

For more information visit http://www.ssr.org/

About the 46^th Annual Meeting of the SSR

Reproductive Health: Nano to Global
22-26 July 2013
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Montréal, Québec, Canada
Hosted by Réseau Québécois en Reproduction

Over 1,200 delegates from five continents will participate in this meeting.

About the Réseau Québécois en reproduction (RQR)

The wide range of expertise in reproductive biology, allows this Quebec strategic group to contribute to the understanding of important clinical topics in reproduction, particularly those related to assisted reproductive technology and to reinforce the competitiveness of the Quebec animal and agricultural industry.

For more information visit: www.rqr.umontreal.ca

SOURCE: Coopérative Molotov Communications

Susan S. Suarez, Ph.D.
President - Society for the Study of Reproduction
607-253-3589
607-351-5067
[email protected]

Bruce D. Murphy, Ph.D.
Co-Chair - SSR Local Arrangement Committee
450-773-8521 ext.: 8382
450-779-9315
[email protected]

Eliane Auger, M.Sc.
Manager - Réseau Québécois en reproduction
450-733-8521 ext.: 8286
514-243-0139
[email protected]