Diet in pregnancy—more than food

Abstract

High food quality, together with adequate macro- and micronutrient intake in pregnancy, is crucial for the health status of the mother and child. Recent findings suggest that it could also be beneficial or harmful in the context of the well-being of the whole future population. According to the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis, most conditions that occur in adulthood originate in foetal life. Moreover, some epigenetic events, modified inter alia by diet, impact more than one generation. Still, the recommendations in most countries are neither popularised nor very detailed. While it seems to be important to direct diet trends towards a healthier lifestyle, the methods of preventing specific disorders like diabetes or asthma are not yet established and require further investigation. Conclusion: In this review, we will summarise the recommendations for diet composition in pregnancy, focusing on both diet quality and quantity. What is Known • High food quality, together with adequate macro- and micronutrient intake in pregnancy, is crucial for the health status of the mother and child. What is New • Recent findings suggest that the diet could be beneficial or harmful in the context of the well-being of the whole future population. Most conditions that occur in adulthood originate in foetal life. • Moreover, some epigenetic events, modified by diet impact more than one generation.

A Supplementary Protein Food for Pregnant Women with Chronic Energy Deficiency to Improve Fetal Growth

“…The recommended type of fatty acid during pregnancy are docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, which are beneficial for fetal brain development and proper functioning of the retina (Danielewicz et al 2017). The major fat source of subjects were saturated fatty acid because most of the subjects consumed fried food in their daily food intake.…”

“…Complex carbohydrate is recommended for pregnant women to improve the function of gut microbiome (Danielewicz et al 2017). Maternal carbohydrate source in this study were mostly simple carbohydrate in the form of white rice or flour-based food.…”

Considering Xenobiotics as Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression: A Qualitative Systematic Review

“…The prenatal and perinatal periods are sensitive times for women as they are undergoing physiological changes (Soma-Pillay et al, 2016;Talbot & Maclennan, 2016) and experiencing drastic lifestyle changes (relating to sleep, diet, exercise, etc.) (Barakat et al, 2015;Chien & Ko, 2004;Danielewicz et al, 2017;Hall et al, 2009), and with the introduction of harmful toxic chemicals to their bodies, this has been shown to ultimately affect their mental health well into the postpartum period, resulting in the experience of major depressive symptoms. The importance of recognizing the harmful effects of tobacco exposure during the prenatal and perinatal periods will further advance research in the investigation of this association and will hopefully create awareness of relating tobacco exposure to mental health.…”

Maternal Perinatal Dietary Patterns Affect Food Allergy Development in Susceptible Infants

“…Maternal diet in pregnancy encompasses more than food intake alone because high food quality and adequate nutrient intake during the perinatal period are critical for maternal and infant health. 28,29 A "Western" diet, which is generally poor in fiber and rich in saturated fats and carbohydrate sweeteners, is considered to be an environmental risk factor, increasing the prevalence of FA. 9,30 Moreover, high trans fat intake, as a typical part of the "Western" diet, is suggested to play a role in the development of childhood asthma, AD, and sensitization in a previous study that did not assess dietary patterns or FA.…”

“…47 Thus, if maternal dietary patterns are generally consistent throughout pregnancy and the first 6 months of breastfeeding, the harmful effects of the maternal confectionery diet may be passed to the infant through breastfeeding, and this may add to the in utero effect of maternal diet that occurs during pregnancy. 29 It has been reported that mothers with high levels of…”