Natural cocoa improves birth weight and viability of rabbit pups born to hypercholesterolemic mothers

Background: Maternal nutrition affects fetal growth and development in humans and animals. Low birth weight can be caused by maternal hypercholesterolemia and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and other metabolic diseases later in adult life. Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids and reduces plasma cholesterol levels. The study investigated the effect of hypercholesterolemia and natural cocoa intake during pregnancy on the birth weight and viability of rabbit pups. Methods: Hypercholesterolemic female New Zealand White rabbits were crossed with normocholesterolemic males and randomly grouped into 2 (n = 4 each). One group (HCC) received natural cocoa powder in their water in addition to high cholesterol diet during pregnancy, whereas the other (HC) received only water and high cholesterol diet. Litter size, birth weight and viability of pups were assessed and compared to a control group (NC) fed normal rabbit chow (n = 2). Results: Average litter sizes of hypercholesterolemic rabbits (HC and HCC groups) were 3, whereas that of control group, NC was 5. Mean birth weight of pups was significantly lower in offspring of HC (42.73 g, SD 8.47) and HCC (50.0 g, SD 3.54) as compared to NC (73.0 g, SD 5.37). Mortality of offspring was highest in HC group (58.3%) as compared to 50% in HCC. Conclusions: Maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy reduces litter size, birth weight and viability of offspring in rabbits and these deleterious effects may be minimized by regular intake of natural cocoa. Although further studies in humans need to be conducted, the results of this study suggest the need to monitor maternal cholesterol levels during pregnancy and the effects on pregnancy outcomes and health of offspring later in life.