Impact of pre-gestational consumption of Nigerian white and brown rice on lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in dams and offspring

Abstract

White rice, a high-glycaemic index staple, has been implicated in the global rise of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Maternal nutrition, especially prior to conception, can influence offspring metabolic health through intrauterine programming. However, the intergenerational effects of white versus brown rice consumption remain unclear. The study investigated the impact of
pregestational consumption of Nigerian white and brown rice (Dan-boto variety) on metabolic parameters in Wistar dams and their offspring. Twenty female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=5/group) and fed either normal chow (NC), white rice mixed with chow in 1:3 or 1:1 ratios (WR:NC), or brown rice mixed with chow in a 1:1 ratio (BR:NC) for 45 days. Following this,
rats were mated and allowed to deliver. After weaning, serum adiponectin, leptin, lipid profile, and fasting glucose levels were assessed in both dams and pups. Dams fed the WR:NC (1:1) diet exhibited significantly lower weight gain, reduced heart-to-body weight ratio, and lower serum adiponectin and leptin levels compared to controls (p < 0.05). Their pups, however, showed elevated adiponectin levels. Both dams and pups in the WR:NC (1:1) group had significantly increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL levels (p < 0.05). No persistent hyperglycaemia was observed. High pregestational intake of white rice predisposes dams and their offspring to features of insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. In contrast, brown rice consumption demonstrated a more favorable metabolic
profile. These findings support dietary recommendations promoting whole grains to mitigate intergenerational metabolic risk.