Maternal Intake of Flaxseed During Lactation and Exercise Training Protect Against Salt Overload-Induced Aortic Remodeling in Adult Offspring

Abstract Background High dietary sodium intake can induce endothelial stiffness even without changes in blood pressure. Objectives To evaluate the effects of exercise training and chronic intake of sodium chloride solution on aortic morphology of male offspring of rat dams who consumed flaxseed during lactation. Methods Female rats were fed with a control diet or a flaxseed diet during lactation. At weaning, two male offspring of each rat dam were allocated into eight groups for 180 days: four groups received a control diet e four received a flaxseed diet, with /without exercise and with/without NaCl solution supply. Aorta was collected for histomorphometric analysis. The one-way analysis of variance was used and P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The chronic use of 1% NaCl solution led to changes in aortic histoarchitecture in the control group: increase in aortic intima-media thickness (10,4%, p<0.0001) and reduced number of elastic lamellae (-8,1%, p<0.0001). Groups of offspring of mother that consumed flaxseed during lactation, the chronic use of 1% NaCl alone did not lead to an increase in the aortic intima-media thickness. Exercise training of adult offspring increased aortic intima-media thickness (13.3%, p<0.0001), with preservation of elastic components and aortic flexibility. Conclusion Chronic salt overload caused adverse effects on the aorta of rats, and maternal consumption of the flaxseed diet during lactation protected against aortic remodeling. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Effects of Maternal Flaxseed Supplementation on Female Offspring of Diabetic Rats in Serum Concentration of Glucose, Insulin, and Thyroid Hormones.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal consumption of flaxseed flour and oil on serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, and thyroid hormones of the adult female offspring of diabetic rats. Methods: Wistar rats were induced to diabetes by a high-fat diet (60%) and streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). Rats were mated and once pregnancy was confirmed, were divided into the following groups: Control Group (CG): casein-based diet; High-fat Group (HG): high-fat diet (49%); High-fat Flaxseed Group (HFG): high-fat diet supplemented with 25% flaxseed flour; High-fat Flaxseed Oil group (HOG): high-fat diet, where soya oil was replaced with flaxseed oil. After weaning, female pups (n = 6) from each group were separated, received a commercial rat diet and were sacrificed after 180 days. Serum insulin concentrations were determined by ELISA, the levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were determined by chemiluminescence. Results: There was a significant reduction in body weight at weaning in HG (-31%), HFG (-33%) and HOG (44%) compared to CG (p = 0.002), which became similar by the end of 180 days. Blood glucose levels were reduced in HFG (-10%, p = 0.044) when compared to CG, and there was no significant difference between groups in relation to insulin, T3, T4, and TSH after 180 days. Conclusions: Maternal severe hyperglycemia during pregnancy and lactation resulted in a microsomal offspring. Maternal consumption of flaxseed reduces blood glucose levels in adult offspring without significant effects on insulin levels and thyroid hormones.

Can the indicators of chronic ethanol consumption be minimized by a continuous flaxseed intake?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of flaxseed in animals subjected to ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): control group (CG) which received a control diet and water ad libitum; flaxseed group (FG) which received control diet with an addition of 25% flaxseed flour and water ad libitum; ethanol control group (ECG) which received control diet and a solution of 10% ethanol (v/v) as the only liquid source; and ethanol flaxseed group (EFG) which received control diet with an addition of 25% flaxseed flour and a solution of 10% ethanol (v/v) as the only liquid source. The animals were euthanized at 60 days, when blood was collected for biochemical analysis and liver was collected for histomorphometric analysis. Rats fed with diets containing flaxseed showed lower values of alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.020) and lower concentration of total bilirubin (P = 0.006), direct bilirubin (P = 0.013) and indirect bilirubin (P = 0.018) compared to ECG and EFG. The groups receiving flaxseed diets demonstrated higher expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme (P < 0.001) than CG and ECG but did not affect thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) expression (P = 0.055). Regarding liver analysis, the ECG and EFG showed larger hepatocyte nuclei and paler cytoplasm than the groups who had not received ethanol, and less in fluid accumulation (oedema) in the cytoplasm than was seen in the FG and EFG livers. These latter two groups showed fewer fatty cells than was seen in the groups that had not been given flaxseed, so that the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis was not justified. In conclusion, therefore, this study showed that the indicators of ethanol chronic consumption can be reduced by the introduction of continuous flaxseed dietary intake.

Evaluation of blood pressure and aortic elasticity of offspring of diabetic Wistar rats who have consumed flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether maternal use of flaxseed oil has effects on blood pressure and aorta elastic fibre in female offspring of diabetic mothers. METHODS: Diabetes was induced into the rats (n = 18) by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. After diabetes confirmation, rats were mated, and after pregnancy was confirmed, they were allocated into three groups: control group (CG); high-fat group (HFG); and flaxseed oil group (FOG). At weaning, female offspring (n = 6/group) received standard chow diet and were euthanized at 100 days of life. The following blood pressure and the percentage of the aortic elastic fibre were analysed. RESULTS: HFG showed higher blood pressure, and the use of flaxseed oil avoided this condition in FOG (p < 0.001) and increased the percentage of the aortic elastic fibre (p < 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Flaxseed oil reduced the damage caused by maternal hyperglycaemia, promoting normal blood pressure and elasticity of the aorta in female offspring.

Maternal exposure to diets containing flaxseed flour or flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation protects the aortic remodeling in adult male offspring of diabetic rat dams.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes during pregnancy is associated with cardiovascular complications in the fetus and extends into adulthood. Therapeutic applications of flaxseed have been studied in cardiovascular disorders, because its oilseed is the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acid, which is currently considered by researchers to be an essential protective against cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of flaxseed flour and oil on cardiovascular biochemical parameters and the histoarchitecture of the aorta in adult rats which were offspring of diabetic mothers. RESULTS: At 100 days of age in offspring it was observed that maternal consumption of a high-fat diet containing flaxseed oil (FOG) and flaxseed flour (FFG) did not affect the serum concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density-, low-density- or very-low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. However, the thickness of the intima media layer of the aorta was significantly smaller in FOG and FFG groups; the lumen area was similar among the groups; and a higher percentage of elastic fiber was found in FOG and FFG groups. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the use of both flaxseed flour and its oil reduces the remodeling of the aorta; however; it has not been possible to modify the cardiovascular biochemical parameters.

Effect of maternal use of flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation on glucose metabolism and pancreas histomorphometry of male offspring from diabetic rats.

AIM: Investigate if the maternal use of flaxseed oil prevents pancreatic alterations in the offspring of diabetic mothers. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in female wistar rats (n=12) by a high-fat diet and low-dose of streptozotocin. After the confirmation of the diabetes (glucose >300 mg/dL), rats were mated and once pregnancy was confirmed, they were allocated into three groups (n=6): high-fat group (HFG); flaxseed oil group (FOG); and control group (CG) (nondiabetic rats). At weaning, male offspring (n=12/group) received a standard chow diet. The animals were euthanized in two phases: at 100 and at 180 days, (n=6/group). The pancreas was collected for histomorphometric and immunohistochemistry analysis. RESULTS: HFG showed hypertrophy of pancreatic islets at 100 and at 180 days (p<0.0001), while the FOG offspring had islets with smaller diameters compared to HFG at both phases of sacrifice (p<0.0001). HFG had a lower percentage of small islets when compared to CG and FOG, which had a higher percentage when compared to HFG (p=0.0053) at 100 days. At 180 days HFG showed higher percentage of larger islets (p=0.00137) and lower percentage of smaller islets (p=0.00112), when compared to FOG. HFG showed lower islet insulin immunodensity at 100 days (p<0.0001) and 180 days (p<0.0001), whereas FOG was similar to CG (p<0.0001) at 100 days and higher at 180 days (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Flaxseed oil reduced the damage caused by maternal hyperglycemia, promoting normal pancreas histomorphometry and ß cell mass.

The use of flaxseed flour during pregnancy and lactation reverses lower birth weight in offspring from diabetic mothers but averts the development during lactation.

UNLABELLED: Diabetes is a complication which occurring during gestation might substantially influence the development of offspring during fetal life and postnatally. Flaxseed is a source of omega-3, that the appropriate supply during gestation and lactation are determinant for a suitable perinatal growth and development. The present study aimed to assess beneficial effects of the use of flaxseed flour during pregnancy and lactation on body development from birth to weaning of offspring from diabetic mothers. METHODS: twelve rats from a total of eighteen were induced to diabetes by high-fat diet during four weeks, also receiving one lower dose of streptozotocin. After confirmation of diabetes (glucose>300 mg/dL), they were mated and when pregnancy was confirmed, they were divided in 3 groups: high-fat group (HFG), high-fat flaxseed flour group (HFFFG) and control group (CG), receiving high- fat diet, high-fat diet added flaxseed flour and control diet, respectively. They were fed this way during whole gestation and lactation. The body development of offspring was measured weekly since the first day after birth until weaning. RESULTS: At birth, the average body mass of offspring from diabetics mothers who received only high-fat diet was 23,6% lighter than body mass of offspring from non-diabetics mothers (p<0,05), while the animals from diabetic mothers who consumed flaxseed flour during pregnancy and lactation showed the same body mass than the control group. During all experiment HFFFG group showed decreased body mass (about 20%, p<0,05)in comparison with control group. CONCLUSION: The treatment with flaxseed flour was capable of avoiding lower birth weight in offspring from diabetic mothers. However, the consumption of flaxseed flour by mothers during lactation yielded decrease offspring weight at weaning.

La diabetes es una complicación que ocurre durante la gestación puede influir sustancialmente el desarrollo de las crías durante la vida fetal y postnatal. La linaza es una fuente de ácidos grasos omega-3, que la oferta apropiado durante la gestación y lactancia son determinantes para un adecuados crecimiento y desarrollo perinatal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar los efectos beneficiosos del uso de la harina de linaza durante el embarazo y la lactancia en el desarrollo corporal desde el nacimiento hasta el destete de las crías de madres diabéticas. Métodos: Los doce ratas, de un total de dieciocho fueron inducidas a la diabetes con dieta alta en grasas durante cuatro semanas también recibir una dosis reducida de estreptozotocina. Después de la confirmación de la diabetes (glucosa> 300mg/dL), que fueron apareadas y cuando se confirmó el embarazo, fueron divididos en 3 grupos: grupo de alto contenido de grasa (HFG), grupo de alto contenido de grasa con harina de linaza (HFFFG) y grupo control (GC ), recibiendo la dieta alta en grasas, dieta alta en grasa añadida harina de linaza y dieta control, respectivamente. Fueron alimentados de esta manera durante toda la gestación y la lactancia. El el desarrollo corporal de las crías se midió semanalmente desde el primer día después de su nacimiento hasta el destete. Resultados: En el nacimiento, la masa corporal medio de las crías de madres diabéticas que recibieron sólo la dieta rica en grasas era 23,6% más ligero que la masa corporal de las crías de los no diabéticos madres (p.

The use of flaxseed flour during pregnancy and lactation reverses lower birth weight in offspring from diabetic mothers but averts the development during lactation / El uso de la harina de linaza durante el embarazo y la lactancia revierte menor peso al nacer en los hijos de madres diabéticas, pero evita el desarrollo durante la lactancia

Diabetes is a complication which occurring during gestation might substantially influence the development of offspring during fetal life and postnatally. Flaxseed is a source of omega-3, that the appropriate supply during gestation and lactation are determinant for a suitable perinatal growth and development. The present study aimed to assess beneficial effects of the use of flaxseed flour during pregnancy and lactation on body development from birth to weaning of offspring from diabetic mothers. Methods: twelve rats from a total of eighteen were induced to diabetes by high-fat diet during four weeks, also receiving one lower dose of streptozotocin. After confirmation of diabetes (glucose>300mg/dL), they were mated and when pregnancy was confirmed, they were divided in3 groups: high-fat group (HFG), high-fat flaxseed flour group (HFFFG) and control group (CG), receiving high-fat diet, high-fat diet added flaxseed flour and control diet, respectively. They were fed this way during whole gestation and lactation. The body development of offspring was measured weekly since the first day after birth until weaning. Results: At birth, the average body mass of offspring from diabetics mothers who received only high-fat diet was 23,6% lighter than body mass of offspring from non-diabetics mothers (p<0,05), while the animals from diabetic mothers who consumed flaxseed flour during pregnancy and lactation showed the same body mass than the control group. During all experiment HFFFG group showed decreased body mass (about 20%, p<0,05) in comparison with control group. Conclusion: The treatment with flaxseed flour was capable of avoiding lower birth weight in offspring from diabetic mothers. However, the consumption of flour by mothers during lactation yielded decrease offspring weight at weaning (AU)

La diabetes es una complicación que ocurre durante la gestación puede influir sustancialmente el desarrollo delas crías durante la vida fetal y postnatal. La linaza es una fuente de ácidos grasos omega-3, que la oferta apropiado durante la gestación y lactancia son determinantes para un adecuados crecimiento y desarrollo perinatal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar los efectos beneficiosos del uso de la harina de linaza durante el embarazo y la lactancia en el desarrollo corporal desde el nacimiento hasta el destete de las crías de madres diabéticas. Métodos: Los doce ratas, de un total de dieciocho fueron inducidas a la diabetes con dieta alta en grasas durante cuatro semanas también recibir una dosis reducida de estreptozotocina. Después de la confirmación de la diabetes (glucosa> 300mg/dL), que fueron apareadas y cuando se confirmó el embarazo, fueron divididos en 3 grupos: grupo de alto contenido de grasa (HFG), grupo de alto contenido de grasa con harina de linaza (HFFFG)y grupo control (GC ), recibiendo la dieta alta en grasas, dieta alta en grasa añadida harina de linaza y dieta control, respectivamente. Fueron alimentados de esta manera durante toda la gestación y la lactancia. El desarrollo corporal de las crías se midió semanalmente desde el primer día después de su nacimiento hasta el destete. Resultados: En el nacimiento, la masa corporal medio de las crías de madres diabéticas que recibieron sólo la dieta rica en grasas era 23,6% más ligero que la masa corporal de las crías de los no diabéticos madres (p<0,05), mientras que los animales de la diabetes madres que consumieron la harina linaza durante el embarazo y la lactancia mostraron la misma masa corporal que el grupo control. Durante todo el grupo HFFFG experimento mostró masa corporal disminuido (20%, p <0,05) en comparación con el grupo control. Conclusión: El tratamiento con harina linaza fue capaz de evitar bajo peso al nacer en los hijos de madres diabéticas. Sin embargo, el consumo de harina de linaza por las madres durante la lactancia cedió disminuir el peso crías al destete (AU)

Prolonged flaxseed flour intake decreased the thickness of the aorta and modulates some modifiable risk factors related to cardiovascular disease in rats.

UNLABELLED: Cardiovascular diseases are a major public health problem. Different risk factors have been recognized as the main causes of the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Flaxseed is a source of dietary fiber, lignans, and alpha-linolenic acid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prolonged supplementation with flaxseed flour as preventive therapy on cardiovascular risk parameters in healthy Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups after giving birth and during lactation period: the control group was fed with diet based on casein and the flaxseed group was fed with diet based on casein containing 25% of flaxseed flour. At weaning, 10 male offspring from each group continued to receive the same diets from their mothers during 250 days. The body weight, visceral fat mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, glucose and thickness of the aorta were analyzed. RESULTS: The body weight, visceral fat mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, glucose and thickness of the aorta values were statistically lower when compared to control group. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that flaxseed flour supplementation in healthy wistar rats for a prolonged period may decrease the thickness of the aorta and may be used as a preventive measure in modulating some modifiable risk factors related to cardiovascular disease.

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son un problema de salud pública. Diferentes factores de riesgo han sido reconocidos como las principales causas del desarrollo y la progresión de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. La linaza es una fuente de fibra dietética, lignanos, y el ácido alfa-linolénico. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la suplementación prolongada con harina de linaza como tratamiento preventivo de los parámetros de riesgo cardiovascular en ratas Wistar saludables. Material y métodos: Ratas hembras Wistar fueron divididas en dos grupos después de dar a luz y durante el perío do de lactancia: el grupo de control fue alimentado con una dieta basada en caseína y el grupo de la linaza se alimentó con una dieta basada en caseína que contiene 25% de harina de linaza. Al destete, 10 ratas macho de la camada de cada grupo siguió recibiendo las mismas dietas de sus madres durante 250 días. El peso corporal, la masa grasa visceral, colesterol, triglicéridos, HDL, VLDL, la glucosa y el grosor de la aorta fueron analizado. Resultados: El peso corporal, la masa grasa visceral, colesterol, triglicéridos, HDL, VLDL, la glucosa y el grosor de la aorta esos valores fueron estadísticamente menor en comparación con el grupo control. Conclusión: Los datos sugieren que la suplementación con harina de linaza en ratas Wistar saludables durante un período prolongado puede disminuir el espesor de la aorta y puede ser utilizado como una medida preventiva en la modulación de algunos factores de riesgo modificables relacionados con la enfermedad cardiovascular.

Prolonged flaxseed flour intake decreased the thickness of the aorta and modulates some modifiable risk factors related to cardiovascular disease in rats / La ingesta prolongada de harina de linaza disminuyó el espesor de la aorta y modula algunos factores de riesgo modificables relacionados con la enfermedad cardiovascular en ratas

Cardiovascular diseases are a major public health problem. Different risk factors have been recognized as the main causes of the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Flaxseed is a source of dietary fiber, lignans, and alpha-linolenic acid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prolonged supplementation with flaxseed flour as preventive therapy on cardiovascular risk parameters in healthy Wistar rats. Material and Methods: Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups after giving birth and during lactation period: the control group was fed with diet based on casein and the flaxseed group was fed with dietbased on casein containing 25% of flaxseed flour. At weaning, 10 male offspring from each group continued to receive the same diets from their mothers during 250days. The body weight, visceral fat mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, glucose and thickness of the aorta were analyzed. Results: The body weight, visceral fat mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, glucose and thickness of the aorta values were statistically lower when compared to control group. Conclusion: The data suggest that flaxseed flour supplementation in healthy wistar rats for a prolonged period may decrease the thickness of the aorta and maybe used as a preventive measure in modulating some modifiable risk factors related to cardiovascular disease (AU)

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son un problema de salud pública. Diferentes factores de riesgo han sido reconocidos como las principales causas del desarrollo y la progresión de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. La linaza es una fuente de fibra dietética, lignanos, y el ácido alfa-linolénico. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la suplementación prolongada con harina de linaza como tratamiento preventivo de los parámetros de riesgo cardiovascular en ratas Wistar saludables. Material y métodos: Ratas hembras Wistar fueron divididas en dos grupos después de dar a luz y durante el período de lactancia: el grupo de control fue alimentado con una dieta basada en caseína y el grupo de la linaza se alimentó con una dieta basada en caseína que contiene25% de harina de linaza. Al destete, 10 ratas macho de la camada de cada grupo siguió recibiendo las mismas dietas de sus madres durante 250 días. El peso corporal, la masa grasa visceral, colesterol, triglicéridos, HDL,VLDL, la glucosa y el grosor de la aorta fueron analizado. Resultados: El peso corporal, la masa grasa visceral, colesterol, triglicéridos, HDL, VLDL, la glucosa y el grosor de la aorta esos valores fueron estadísticamente menor en comparación con el grupo control. Conclusión: Los datos sugieren que la suplementación on harina de linaza en ratas Wistar saludables durante un período prolongado puede disminuir el espesor de la aorta y puede ser utilizado como una medida preventiva en la modulación de algunos factores de riesgo modificables relacionados con la enfermedad cardiovascular (AU)

Effects of flaxseed on rat milk creamatocrit and its contribution to offspring body growth.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of flaxseed on rat milk creamatocrit and its contribution to offspring weight gain during lactation. METHODS: The study was conducted with 22 Lister Hooded rats divided into two groups: Control Group (CG, n = 11), which received a casein-based diet with 17% protein, and Flaxseed Group (FG, n = 11), which received a 25% flaxseed diet supplemented with 14% casein, totaling 17% protein. Food consumption was controlled per individual cage and litter size. Maternal milk creamatocrit and offspring weight variation until weaning age were also evaluated. RESULTS: FG was similar to CG concerning food intake (FG = 76.46±31.87 g; CG = 76.7±33.36 g; p = 0.9613) and equivalent to CG concerning litter size (FG = 4.94±2.34; CG = 5.5±3.19; p = 0.435). The same was found for milk fat content (FG = 18.4±4.76; CG = 15.3±6.03; p = 0.204) and total energy value (FG = 212.92±46.4; CG = 181.1±60; p = 0.1964). FG was similar to CG both in offspring body weight at weaning (FG = 37±6.96 g; CG = 32.6±7.5 g; p = 0.1817) and in weight gain (FG = 31.8±7.0 g; CG = 27.7±7.5 g; p = 0.2104). CONCLUSION: A total of 25% flaxseed promoted an adequate offspring growth.

Efeito da semente de linhaça no crematócrito do leite de ratas e sua contribuição no crescimento corporal dos filhotes / Effects of flaxseed on rat milk creamatocrit and its contribution to offspring body growth

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito da semente de linhaça no crematócrito do leite de ratas e crescimento corporal dos filhotes durante a lactação. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se 22 ratas Lister Hooded divididas em dois grupos: controle (GC, n = 11), que recebeu ração caseína com 17 por cento de proteína; e linhaça (GL, n = 11), que recebeu ração com 25 por cento de linhaça acrescida de 14 por cento de caseína, totalizando 17 por cento de proteína. Controlou-se o consumo de ração das ratas por gaiola individual, número de crias, e avaliou-se o crematócrito do leite materno e variação ponderal dos filhotes até idade de desmame. RESULTADOS: O GL foi semelhante ao GC no consumo de ração das ratas (GL = 76,46±31,87 g; GC = 76,7±33,36 g; p = 0,9613) e equivalente ao GC no número de crias (GL = 4,94±2,34; GC = 5,5±3,19; p = 0,435). O mesmo foi verificado no teor de gordura do leite materno (GL = 18,4±4,76; GC = 15,3±6,03; p = 0,204) e valor energético total (GL = 212,92±46,4; GC = 181,1±60; p = 0,1964). O GL assemelhou-se ao GC tanto no peso corporal dos filhotes ao desmame (GL = 37±6,96 g; GC = 32,6±7,5 g; p = 0,1817) quanto na evolução ponderal (GL = 31,8±7,0 g; GC = 27,7±7,5 g; p = 0,2104). CONCLUSÃO: Um total de 25 por cento de linhaça promoveu um crescimento adequado aos filhotes.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of flaxseed on rat milk creamatocrit and its contribution to offspring weight gain during lactation. METHODS: The study was conducted with 22 Lister Hooded rats divided into two groups: Control Group (CG, n = 11), which received a casein-based diet with 17 percent protein, and Flaxseed Group (FG, n = 11), which received a 25 percent flaxseed diet supplemented with 14 percent casein, totaling 17 percent protein. Food consumption was controlled per individual cage and litter size. Maternal milk creamatocrit and offspring weight variation until weaning age were also evaluated. RESULTS: FG was similar to CG concerning food intake (FG = 76.46±31.87 g; CG = 76.7±33.36 g; p = 0.9613) and equivalent to CG concerning litter size (FG = 4.94±2.34; CG = 5.5±3.19; p = 0.435). The same was found for milk fat content (FG = 18.4±4.76; CG = 15.3±6.03; p = 0.204) and total energy value (FG = 212.92±46.4; CG = 181.1±60; p = 0.1964). FG was similar to CG both in offspring body weight at weaning (FG = 37±6.96 g; CG = 32.6±7.5 g; p = 0.1817) and in weight gain (FG = 31.8±7.0 g; CG = 27.7±7.5 g; p = 0.2104). CONCLUSION: A total of 25 percent flaxseed promoted an adequate offspring growth.