Impact of Parental Time-Restricted Feeding on Offspring Metabolic Phenotypic Traits

Abstract

A substantial body of research elucidates the mechanisms and health advantages associated with intermittent fasting (IF). However, the impact of parental IF on offspring remains unclear. Through an investigation involving four IF and ad libitum combinations of parental mating groups, we demonstrate that parental IF (daily time-restricted feeding) influences offsprings metabolic health indicators in male and female offspring in distinct ways. We found that when both parents are on IF their offspring exhibit protection against the adverse effects of a high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt diet in a sex-specific manner. This study underscores the potential significance of parental lifestyle modifications involving dietary restriction for the metabolic status of their children and their risk for obesity and diabetes.