Researchers studied how a natural substance called SDG (found in flaxseeds) might protect babies’ kidneys from damage caused by their mothers eating trans fats during pregnancy and nursing. Using mice, scientists found that mothers exposed to trans fats had babies with kidney problems. However, when the mothers received SDG supplements, their babies’ kidneys stayed healthier. The study suggests that SDG works by stopping kidney cells from dying. While these results are promising, more research in humans is needed before we know if this applies to people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural plant compound (SDG) can prevent kidney damage in baby mice whose mothers ate trans fats during pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Who participated: 30 female mice were divided into 5 groups: a control group eating normal food, a group eating trans fats, and three groups eating trans fats plus different amounts of SDG supplement (low, medium, or high doses)
  • Key finding: Baby mice whose mothers received medium or high doses of SDG had much better kidney function (lower kidney damage markers) compared to babies whose mothers only ate trans fats, suggesting SDG protected their kidneys
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that eating foods rich in SDG (like flaxseeds) during pregnancy might help protect a baby’s kidney health if the mother is exposed to trans fats. However, this study was done in mice, so we cannot yet say this works the same way in humans. Talk to your doctor before making dietary changes during pregnancy

The Research Details

Scientists used laboratory mice to test their theory. They divided 30 female mice into five groups: one group ate normal food (control), one group ate food containing trans fats (the problem group), and three other groups ate trans fats but also received different amounts of a natural supplement called SDG. The mothers ate this way during pregnancy and while nursing their babies. After the babies were born, researchers measured kidney damage markers in the baby mice’s blood and examined their kidney tissue under a microscope to see what was happening at the cellular level.

This research design is important because it tests whether a natural substance can prevent kidney damage before it happens, rather than trying to fix it afterward. By studying this in mice first, scientists can understand the basic mechanism before testing in humans. The study also looked at the specific cellular pathway (how cells communicate) that might explain why SDG works, which helps scientists understand the ‘why’ behind the results.

This study has some strengths: it used a controlled laboratory setting with specific mouse breeds, measured multiple kidney damage markers, and examined the cellular mechanisms. However, it has limitations: it was only done in mice (not humans), had a relatively small sample size (30 mice total), and was conducted in a single laboratory. Animal studies don’t always translate directly to humans, so these results are preliminary and need confirmation in human studies

What the Results Show

Baby mice whose mothers were exposed to trans fats showed clear signs of kidney damage compared to babies whose mothers ate normal food. Their blood contained higher levels of two kidney damage markers: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE). When mothers received SDG supplements—especially at medium and high doses—their babies’ kidney damage markers dropped significantly, getting much closer to normal levels. This suggests that SDG protected the babies’ kidneys from the harmful effects of trans fats. The researchers also looked inside the kidney cells and found that SDG worked by preventing kidney cells from dying. In babies exposed to trans fats, kidney cells were dying at abnormally high rates. SDG treatment reduced this cell death, particularly at the medium and high doses tested.

The study examined specific proteins inside kidney cells that control whether cells live or die. In babies exposed to trans fats, researchers found too much of a ‘death-promoting’ protein (caspase-3) and an imbalance in the ratio of ’life-promoting’ to ‘death-promoting’ proteins. SDG treatment restored this balance, bringing the protein levels back toward normal. This cellular-level finding helps explain how SDG might be protecting the kidneys—it’s essentially telling kidney cells to stay alive instead of dying

Previous research has shown that trans fats can harm developing organs, and that flaxseed-derived compounds have protective properties in various tissues. This study builds on that knowledge by specifically testing SDG against trans fat-induced kidney damage in a developing organism. The finding that SDG works through the cell-death pathway (apoptosis) aligns with how this compound has been shown to work in other tissues, suggesting a consistent protective mechanism across the body

This research was conducted only in mice, and mouse biology doesn’t always match human biology exactly. The study didn’t test whether the protective effects last into adulthood or whether they prevent long-term kidney disease. The sample size was small (30 mice total, 6 per group), which limits how confident we can be in the results. The study also didn’t examine whether different types of trans fats or different timing of exposure would change the results. Finally, this was a controlled laboratory study, so real-world factors like diet variety and other environmental exposures weren’t considered

The Bottom Line

Based on this preliminary research, there is insufficient evidence to recommend SDG supplements specifically for kidney protection during pregnancy in humans. However, the study supports general recommendations to avoid trans fats during pregnancy and to eat a diet rich in whole foods like flaxseeds (which contain SDG naturally). Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before taking any supplements. Confidence level: Low (animal study only, needs human research)

This research is most relevant to: pregnant women concerned about trans fat exposure, people with family history of kidney disease, and healthcare providers researching preventive nutrition. It’s less immediately relevant to people who already have kidney disease (different treatment approach needed) or those with no trans fat exposure. Anyone considering supplements during pregnancy should discuss this with their doctor first

In this mouse study, the protective effects were visible by the time babies were born and measured shortly after. In humans, if similar effects exist, they would likely develop during pregnancy and early infancy. However, we don’t yet know if these benefits would last into childhood or adulthood, or how quickly they would appear. More research is needed to establish realistic timelines for human health benefits

Want to Apply This Research?

  • For pregnant users: Track daily trans fat intake (grams per day) and flaxseed/SDG-rich food consumption (servings per day). Monitor kidney health markers if available through medical tests (BUN and creatinine levels). This creates a baseline to discuss with healthcare providers
  • Users can increase intake of natural SDG sources by adding ground flaxseeds to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt (1-2 tablespoons daily). Replace processed foods containing trans fats with whole foods. Log these dietary changes in the app to track consistency and discuss results with their doctor at prenatal visits
  • For pregnant women: Monthly tracking of trans fat avoidance and flaxseed consumption through pregnancy and nursing. Post-pregnancy, continue monitoring for 6-12 months. If kidney function tests are available through healthcare providers, track BUN and creatinine levels at standard prenatal and postnatal checkups. Share this data with healthcare providers to assess individual benefits

This research was conducted in mice and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. Pregnant women should not take supplements or make significant dietary changes without consulting their doctor first. If you have concerns about kidney health or trans fat exposure during pregnancy, speak with your healthcare provider about evidence-based recommendations appropriate for your individual situation. This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.