Nutrients

Research

13 pages, 735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exposure to Phosphates and Nitrites through Meat Products: Estimation of the Potential Risk to Pregnant Women

by Danijela Vranić, Jelena Milešević, Dejana Trbović, Mirjana Gurinović, Vladimir Korićanac, Milica Zeković, Zoran Petrović, Slavica Ranković and Dragan Milićević

Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2777; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122777 - 16 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2033

Abstract

Diet during pregnancy is one of the most important nutritional challenges associated with some risks for the mother and the fetus. For the first time, the study aims to estimate long-term (2018–2022) exposure to nitrate and phosphates in Serbian pregnant women, based on [...] Read more.

Diet during pregnancy is one of the most important nutritional challenges associated with some risks for the mother and the fetus. For the first time, the study aims to estimate long-term (2018–2022) exposure to nitrate and phosphates in Serbian pregnant women, based on individual consumption data and accurate values measured in frequently consumed meat products. For this purpose, seven types of meat products, consisting of 3047 and 1943 samples, were collected from retail markets across Serbia, to analyze nitrites and phosphorus content, respectively. These data were combined with meat product consumption data from the Serbian National Food Consumption Survey to assess dietary intake of nitrites and phosphate. The results were compared with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) proposed by the European Food Safety Authority. The average dietary exposure (EDI) to phosphorus ranged from 0.733 mg/kg bw/day (liver sausage and pate) to 2.441 mg/kg bw/day (finely minced cooked sausages). Considering nitrite intake, the major sources were bacon (0.030 mg/kg bw/day) and coarsely minced cooked sausages (0.0189 mg/kg bw/day). In our study, average nitrite and phosphorus exposure in the Serbian pregnant women population are far below the EFSA recommendations (ADI 0.07 mg/kg bw/day and 40 mg/kg bw/day, respectively). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Health Education among the Decisive Factors for the Diet Quality of Pregnant Women in Poland?

by Anna Demuth, Joanna Ratajczak, Urszula Czerniak and Katarzyna Antosiak-Cyrak

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2627; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112627 - 4 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1788

Abstract

Health education (HE), an educational process that leads to increased nutritional awareness and improved health, is one of the factors influencing diet quality (DQ) during pregnancy. The aim was to evaluate the DQ of pregnant women and its determinants considering their HE. The [...] Read more.

Health education (HE), an educational process that leads to increased nutritional awareness and improved health, is one of the factors influencing diet quality (DQ) during pregnancy. The aim was to evaluate the DQ of pregnant women and its determinants considering their HE. The study included 122 pregnant women aged 20–40 years. DQ was assessed using the Kom-PAN^® questionnaire and the Pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI). Data collected included dietary habits, socio-demographic data, education level, place of residence, and maternal lifestyle-related characteristics, namely, pre-pregnancy weight, trimester of pregnancy, and pre-pregnancy and pregnancy physical activity (PA). Weekly energy expenditure was determined using the Polish version of the PPAQ questionnaire. HE at school more than tripled the odds of a higher DQ. Women in their second trimester were 54% more likely to have a higher DQ than women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Undertaking pre-pregnancy PA increased the odds of a higher DQ 2.5 times. Comparative analyses performed in a group of women with HE (HEG, n = 33) and without HE (nHEG, n = 89) showed better DQ in the former, but this was still unsatisfactory in health-promoting properties. The results obtained showed that the HE and trimester of pregnancy and pre-pregnancy Pa influenced DQ in pregnant women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Intake of Pregnant Women with and without Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the United States

by Barbara C. Olendzki, Bi-Sek Hsiao, Kaitlyn Weinstein, Rosemary Chen, Christine Frisard, Camilla Madziar, Mellissa Picker, Connor Pauplis, Ana Maldonado-Contreras and Inga Peter

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2464; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112464 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2452

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a vulnerable time where the lives of mother and baby are affected by diet, especially high-risk pregnancies in women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Limited research has examined diet during pregnancy with IBD. Aims: Describe and compare the diet quality [...] Read more.

Background: Pregnancy is a vulnerable time where the lives of mother and baby are affected by diet, especially high-risk pregnancies in women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Limited research has examined diet during pregnancy with IBD. Aims: Describe and compare the diet quality of pregnant women with and without IBD, and examine associations between dietary intake and guidelines during pregnancy. Methods: Three 24 h recalls were utilized to assess the diets of pregnant women with IBD (n = 88) and without IBD (n = 82) during 27–29 weeks of gestation. A customized frequency questionnaire was also administered to measure pre- and probiotic foods. Results: Zinc intake (p = 0.02), animal protein (g) (p = 0.03), and ounce equivalents of whole grains (p = 0.03) were significantly higher in the healthy control (HC) group than the IBD group. Nutrients of concern with no significant differences between groups included iron (3% IBD and 2% HC met the goals), saturated fat (only 1% of both groups met the goals), choline (23% IBD and 21% HC met the goals), magnesium (38% IBD and 35% HC met the goals), calcium (48% IBD and 60% HC met the goals), and water intake (49% IBD and 48% HC met the goals). Conclusions: Most pregnant women in this cohort fell short of the dietary nutrients recommended in pregnancy, especially concerning for women with IBD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Mediterranean Diet Intervention on Maternal Stress, Well-Being, and Sleep Quality throughout Gestation—The IMPACT-BCN Trial

by Irene Casas, Ayako Nakaki, Rosalia Pascal, Sara Castro-Barquero, Lina Youssef, Mariona Genero, Leticia Benitez, Marta Larroya, Maria Laura Boutet, Giulia Casu, Alex Gomez-Gomez, Oscar J. Pozo, Ivette Morilla, Anabel Martínez-Àran, Eduard Vieta, María Dolores Gómez-Roig, Rosa Casas, Ramon Estruch, Eduard Gratacos, Fàtima Crispi and Francesca Crovetto Show full author list Hide full author list

Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102362 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6149

Abstract

Stress and anxiety are frequent occurrences among pregnant women. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a Mediterranean diet intervention during pregnancy on maternal stress, well-being, and sleep quality throughout gestation. In a randomized clinical trial, 1221 high-risk pregnant women were randomly allocated [...] Read more.

Stress and anxiety are frequent occurrences among pregnant women. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a Mediterranean diet intervention during pregnancy on maternal stress, well-being, and sleep quality throughout gestation. In a randomized clinical trial, 1221 high-risk pregnant women were randomly allocated into three groups at 19–23 weeks’ gestation: a Mediterranean diet intervention, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program, or usual care. All women who provided self-reported life-style questionnaires to measure their anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)), well-being (WHO Five Well Being Index (WHO-5)), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)) at enrollment and at the end of the intervention (34–36 weeks) were included. In a random subgroup of 106 women, the levels of cortisol and related metabolites were also measured. At the end of the intervention (34–36 weeks), participants in the Mediterranean diet group had significantly lower perceived stress and anxiety scores (PSS mean (SE) 15.9 (0.4) vs. 17.0 (0.4), p = 0.035; STAI-anxiety mean (SE) 13.6 (0.4) vs. 15.8 (0.5), p = 0.004) and better sleep quality (PSQI mean 7.0 ± 0.2 SE vs. 7.9 ± 0.2 SE, p = 0.001) compared to usual care. As compared to usual care, women in the Mediterranean diet group also had a more significant increase in their 24 h urinary cortisone/cortisol ratio during gestation (mean 1.7 ± SE 0.1 vs. 1.3 ± SE 0.1, p < 0.001). A Mediterranean diet intervention during pregnancy is associated with a significant reduction in maternal anxiety and stress, and improvements in sleep quality throughout gestation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Inflammatory Index during Pregnancy and Congenital Heart Defects

by Jiaomei Yang, Qianqian Chang, Qiancheng Du, Shaonong Dang, Lingxia Zeng and Hong Yan

Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2262; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102262 - 10 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2092

Abstract

The relationship between diet-related inflammation during pregnancy and congenital heart defects (CHD) is unclear. This study attempted to investigate the association between the dietary inflammation index (DII) during pregnancy, reflecting the overall inflammatory potential of the maternal diet, and CHD in Northwest China. [...] Read more.

The relationship between diet-related inflammation during pregnancy and congenital heart defects (CHD) is unclear. This study attempted to investigate the association between the dietary inflammation index (DII) during pregnancy, reflecting the overall inflammatory potential of the maternal diet, and CHD in Northwest China. A case-control study with 474 cases and 948 controls was performed in Xi’an City, China. Eligible women awaiting delivery were recruited, and their dietary and other information during pregnancy was collected. Logistic regression models were applied to estimate the risk of CHD in association with DII. The maternal DII ranged from −1.36 to 5.73 in cases, and 0.43 to 5.63 in controls. Pregnant women with per 1 higher DII score were at 31% higher risk of fetal CHD (OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.14–1.51), and the adjusted OR (95%CI) comparing the pro-inflammatory diet group with the anti-inflammatory diet group was 2.04 (1.42–2.92). The inverse association of maternal DII score with CHD risk was consistent across various subgroups of maternal characteristics. Maternal DII in pregnancy had good predictive value for CHD in offspring, with the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve higher than 0.7. These findings suggested that avoiding a pro-inflammatory diet in pregnancy should be emphasized in the prevention of CHD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Circadian Distribution of Energy and Macronutrients on Gestational Weight Gain in Chinese Pregnant Women

by Wenjuan Xiong, Shanshan Cui, Jia Dong, Yuanyuan Su, Yu Han, Zhiyi Qu, Shihao Jin, Zhi Li, Lei Gao, Tingkai Cui and Xin Zhang

Nutrients 2023, 15(9), 2106; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092106 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1602

Abstract

Gestational weight gain (GWG) may be affected by the timing of dietary intake. Previous studies have reported contradictory findings, possibly due to inconsistent characterizations of meal timing. We conducted a birth cohort study in Tianjin to determine the effect of daily energy and [...] Read more.

Gestational weight gain (GWG) may be affected by the timing of dietary intake. Previous studies have reported contradictory findings, possibly due to inconsistent characterizations of meal timing. We conducted a birth cohort study in Tianjin to determine the effect of daily energy and macronutrient distribution in mid and late pregnancy on GWG. Dietary intake information in the second and third trimesters used three 24-h dietary recalls, and meal timing was defined in relation to sleep/wake timing. The adequacy of GWG was assessed using recommendations from the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Pregnant women who had a relatively high average energy and macronutrient distribution in the late afternoon–early evening time window exhibited a greater GWG rate and a greater total GWG than that in morning time window during the third trimester (β = 0.707; β = 0.316). Carbohydrate intake in the morning of the second and third trimesters (β = 0.005; β = 0.008) was positively associated with GWG rates. Morning carbohydrate intake in the second trimester was also positively associated with total GWG (β = 0.004). Fat intake in the morning of the third trimester (β = 0.051; β = 0.020) was positively associated with the GWG rates and total GWG. Excessive GWG of Chinese pregnant women was related closely to eating behavior focused on the late afternoon–early evening and carbohydrate and fat intake in the morning during the second and third trimesters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Dietary Patterns and Vitamin D Levels with Iron Status in Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taiwan

by Arpita Das, Chyi-Huey Bai, Jung-Su Chang, Ya-Li Huang, Fan-Fen Wang, Yi-Chun Chen and Jane C.-J. Chao

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1805; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081805 - 7 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2581

Abstract

Vitamin D is involved in the pathophysiology of anemia. This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Nationwide Nutrition and Health Survey in Pregnant Women in Taiwan database. We investigated associations among dietary patterns (DPs), vitamin D, and iron-related biomarkers in pregnant women. The [...] Read more.

Vitamin D is involved in the pathophysiology of anemia. This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Nationwide Nutrition and Health Survey in Pregnant Women in Taiwan database. We investigated associations among dietary patterns (DPs), vitamin D, and iron-related biomarkers in pregnant women. The principal component analysis revealed four DPs. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of DPs with anemia-related biomarkers. Plant-based, carnivore, and dairy and nondairy alternatives DPs were positively associated with serum vitamin D levels. After adjusting covariates, the pregnant women consuming plant-based DPs at the mid-tertile (T2) were associated with reduced risks of low serum folate and vitamin D levels, and those consuming carnivore DPs at higher tertiles (T2 and/or T3) were correlated with an increased risk of low serum iron levels but decreased risks of low serum transferrin saturation, vitamin B₁₂, and vitamin D levels. The pregnant women consuming dairy and nondairy alternatives DPs at the highest tertile (T3) were associated with reduced risks of low serum folate and vitamin B₁₂ levels. However, the processed food DP was not correlated with anemia-related biomarkers. Thus, plant-based, carnivore, and dairy and nondairy alternatives DPs were associated with the risk of low-serum-anemia-related variables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Reported Intake and Circulating EPA and DHA Concentrations in US Pregnant Women

by Keri Lanier, Breanna Wisseman, Cody Strom, Carol A. Johnston, Christy Isler, James DeVente, Edward Newton, Roman Pawlak, Brittany R. Allman-Tucker, Samantha McDonald and Linda E. May

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1753; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071753 - 4 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2329

Abstract

In the United States, pregnant women have low concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are essential for fetal development. Although maternal blood provides accurate polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations, venipuncture is expensive and not always accessible. PUFA-containing foods consumption, [...] Read more.

In the United States, pregnant women have low concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are essential for fetal development. Although maternal blood provides accurate polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations, venipuncture is expensive and not always accessible. PUFA-containing foods consumption, both omega-3 ad omega-6 is supposed to reflect in the status (plasma, RBC, adipose tissue) of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). De novo synthesis of DHA and EPA during pregnancy is supposed to be higher compared to pre and/or post-pregnancy periods. Thus, this study aimed to determine the association between maternal self-reported dietary intake of foods high in DHA and EPA, along with vegetable oils as a source of omega-6 fatty acids, with maternal blood DHA and EPA concentrations. Pregnant women (13–16 weeks gestation) were recruited and asked to complete a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and blood draw at enrollment and 36 weeks. Circulating concentrations of DHA and EPA were quantified and change scores were calculated. Correlations were done to determine associations between FFQ results and EPA/DHA maternal blood concentrations. Regression analyses were run to examine significant predictors of the main outcomes. Overall, PUFA-food consumption and RBC’s DHA levels decreased from early to late pregnancy; self-reported PUFA-rich food consumption positively correlated with DHA and EPA levels. DHA concentration was predicted by self-reported PUFA-rich oils (sunflower/soy/corn/olive) consumption, but EPA concentration was predicted by maternal BMI. These findings suggest that EPA and DHA consumption decreased across pregnancy and the FFQ can be utilized as an effective method for estimating PUFA blood concentration during pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

11 pages, 992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Climate, Sun Exposure, and Dietary Intake on Vitamin D Concentrations in Pregnant Women: A Population-Based Study

by Ya-Li Huang, Thu T. M. Pham, Yi-Chun Chen, Jung-Su Chang, Jane C.-J. Chao and Chyi-Huey Bai

Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051182 - 27 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2717

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a global micronutrient issue that commonly occurs in pregnant women, leading to adverse health outcomes. We examined the role of sunlight-related factors and dietary vitamin D intake on vitamin D concentrations among pregnant women in different climate [...] Read more.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a global micronutrient issue that commonly occurs in pregnant women, leading to adverse health outcomes. We examined the role of sunlight-related factors and dietary vitamin D intake on vitamin D concentrations among pregnant women in different climate zones. Methods: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey in Taiwan between June 2017 and February 2019. The data of 1502 pregnant women were collected, including sociodemographic information and characteristics related to pregnancy, diet, and sun exposure. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were measured, and VDD was assessed as a concentration of less than 20 ng/mL. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the factors associated with VDD. Furthermore, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was used to analyze the contribution of sunlight-related factors and dietary vitamin D intake to vitamin D status stratified by climate zones. Results: The prevalence of VDD was 30.1% and was the highest in the north. Sufficient intake of red meat (odds ratio (OR): 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32–0.75; p = 0.002), vitamin D and/or calcium supplements (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.39–0.66; p < 0.001), sun exposure (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57–0.98; p = 0.034), and blood draw during sunny months (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.46–0.77; p < 0.001) were associated with a lower likelihood of VDD. Additionally, in northern Taiwan, which is characterized by a subtropical climate, dietary vitamin D intake (AUROC: 0.580, 95% CI: 0.528–0.633) had a greater influence on vitamin D status than did sunlight-related factors (AUROC: 0.536, 95% CI: 0.508–0.589) with a z value = 51.98, p < 0.001. By contrast, sunlight-related factors (AUROC: 0.659, 95% CI: 0.618–0.700) were more important than dietary vitamin D intake (AUROC: 0.617, 95% CI, 0.575–0.660) among women living in tropical areas of Taiwan (z value = 54.02, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dietary vitamin D intake was essential to alleviate VDD in the tropical region, whereas sunlight-related factors played a greater role in subtropical areas. Safe sunlight exposure and adequate dietary vitamin D intake should be promoted appropriately as a strategic healthcare program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Intakes of Folate, Vitamin D and Iodine during the First Trimester of Pregnancy and the Association between Supplement Use and Demographic Characteristics amongst White Caucasian Women Living with Obesity in the UK

by Kathy M. Redfern, Heidi J. Hollands, C. Ross Welch, Jonathan H. Pinkney and Gail A. Rees

Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5135; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235135 - 2 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3317

Abstract

Folate, vitamin D and iodine are key micronutrients in pregnancy, with deficiency associated with poor maternal and infant outcomes. For folate and vitamin D especially, deficiency is more common amongst women with obesity and recommended intakes and guidance on supplementation varies worldwide. The [...] Read more.

Folate, vitamin D and iodine are key micronutrients in pregnancy, with deficiency associated with poor maternal and infant outcomes. For folate and vitamin D especially, deficiency is more common amongst women with obesity and recommended intakes and guidance on supplementation varies worldwide. The present study aims to investigate dietary and supplementary intakes of these micronutrients amongst a population of pregnant women with obesity in the United Kingdom, alongside key maternal demographic characteristics. Expectant women (n = 75) with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m² at first antenatal appointment were recruited at 12 weeks gestation. Participants were asked about their supplement use preconception and during trimester one in a baseline questionnaire which also asked about demographic characteristics. Women also completed a four day diet diary from which dietary and supplemental intakes of micronutrients intakes were estimated. Folic acid was taken by 96% of women at any point in trimester 1, whilst only 26% of women took the higher 5 mg dose recommended for women with obesity in the UK. For vitamin D and iodine, 56% and 44% of women met the UK RNI, respectively. Maternal age was positively associated with taking supplements of any kind and the 5 mg folic acid supplement, whilst parity was inversely associated with both outcomes. This study strengthens the rationale for further work to be done raising awareness of the need for women with obesity to supplement both with a higher dose of folic acid and vitamin D and to be aware of the role of iodine during pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

13 pages, 1495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inadequate Choline Intake in Pregnant Women in Germany

by Merle Roeren, Anna Kordowski, Christian Sina and Martin Smollich

Nutrients 2022, 14(22), 4862; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14224862 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5249

Abstract

Choline is an essential nutrient that is involved in various developmental processes during pregnancy. While the general adequate choline intake (AI) for adults has been set at 400 mg/day by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an AI of 480 mg/day has been [...] Read more.

Choline is an essential nutrient that is involved in various developmental processes during pregnancy. While the general adequate choline intake (AI) for adults has been set at 400 mg/day by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an AI of 480 mg/day has been derived for pregnant women. To date, the choline intake of pregnant women in Germany has not been investigated yet. Therefore, in this survey, the total choline intake from dietary and supplementary sources in pregnant women was estimated using an online questionnaire. A total of 516 pregnant women participated in the survey, of which 283 met the inclusion criteria (13 to 41 weeks of gestational age, 19–45 years). 224 (79%) of the participants followed an omnivorous diet, 59 (21%) were vegetarian or vegan. Median choline intake was 260.4 (±141.4) mg/day, and only 19 women (7%) achieved the adequate choline intake. The median choline intake of omnivores was significantly higher than that of vegetarians/vegans (269.5 ± 141.5 mg/day vs. 205.2 ± 101.2 mg/day; p < 0.0001). 5% (13/283) of pregnant women took choline-containing dietary supplements. In these women, dietary supplements provided 19% of the total choline intake. Due to the importance of choline for the developmental processes during pregnancy, the study results prove the urgent need for an improved choline supply for pregnant women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary and Nutrient Intake, Eating Habits, and Its Association with Maternal Gestational Weight Gain and Offspring’s Birth Weight in Pregnant Adolescents

by Reyna Sámano, Hugo Martínez-Rojano, Luis Ortiz-Hernández, Oralia Nájera-Medina, Gabriela Chico-Barba, Estela Godínez-Martínez, Ricardo Gamboa and Estefanía Aguirre-Minutti

Nutrients 2022, 14(21), 4545; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214545 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2855

Abstract

Pregnant adolescents’ diet and eating habits are inadequate; however, their association with gestational weight gain (GWG) is uncertain. We aimed to analyze whether there is an association between dietary and nutrient intake and eating habits with GWG among pregnant adolescents and their offspring’s [...] Read more.

Pregnant adolescents’ diet and eating habits are inadequate; however, their association with gestational weight gain (GWG) is uncertain. We aimed to analyze whether there is an association between dietary and nutrient intake and eating habits with GWG among pregnant adolescents and their offspring’s birth weight. A longitudinal study was performed with 530 participants. We assessed GWG and applied several tools, such as a food frequency questionnaire and 24-h recall, to obtain dietary and nutrient intake and eating habits. The birth weight of adolescents’ offspring was registered. Later, we performed crude and adjusted Poisson models. The mean age was 15.8 ± 1.3 years. Of all food groups, the lowest frequency of adequate intake corresponded to vegetables (7%) and legumes (10.2%). Excessive (36.8%) and insufficient (40.9%) GWG were observed. Pregnant adolescents with inadequate legumes intake increased the probability of excessive GWG: (PR 1.86 95% CI 1.00–3.44). Cereals and grains were positively associated with GWG: (PR 1.65, 95% CI 1.18–2.29). Energy, macronutrient intake, and eating habits were not associated with GWG. Offspring’s small gestational age (SGA) increased when pregnant adolescents had inadequate sugar-sweetened beverages intake: PR (1.58, 95% CI 1.01–2.49) and when pregnant adolescent watched television (TV). In our sample of Mexican adolescents, dietary and nutrient intake and eating habits were inadequate. Excessive dietary intake from cereals, grains, and animal-sourced foods along with insufficient legumes were associated with excessive GWG. Watching TV while adolescents ate was associated with the birth weight of the offspring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Quality during Pregnancy and Congenital Heart Defects

by Jiaomei Yang, Qianqian Chang, Shaonong Dang, Xin Liu, Lingxia Zeng and Hong Yan

Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3654; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173654 - 4 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2887

Abstract

Limited studies on maternal dietary quality indices and congenital heart defects (CHD) are available. This study aimed to explore the relationship between dietary quality in pregnancy and CHD among the Chinese population. A case-control study was performed in Northwest China, and 474 cases [...] Read more.

Limited studies on maternal dietary quality indices and congenital heart defects (CHD) are available. This study aimed to explore the relationship between dietary quality in pregnancy and CHD among the Chinese population. A case-control study was performed in Northwest China, and 474 cases and 948 controls were included. Eligible women waiting for delivery were interviewed to recall diets and other information during pregnancy. Dietary quality was assessed by the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Logistic regression models were adopted to evaluate the associations of dietary quality scores with CHD. Pregnant women with higher scores of GDQS and MDS were at a lower risk of fetal CHD, and the adjusted ORs comparing the extreme quartiles were 0.26 (95%CI: 0.16–0.42; P_trend < 0.001) and 0.53 (95%CI: 0.34–0.83; P_trend = 0.007), respectively. The inverse associations of GDQS and MDS with CHD appeared to be stronger among women with lower education levels or in rural areas. Maternal GDQS and MDS had good predictive values for fetal CHD, with the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves close to 0.8. Efforts to improve maternal dietary quality need to be strengthened to decrease the prevalence of CHD among the Chinese population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association and Interaction Effect of BHMT Gene Polymorphisms and Maternal Dietary Habits with Ventricular Septal Defect in Offspring

by Manjun Luo, Tingting Wang, Peng Huang, Senmao Zhang, Xinli Song, Mengting Sun, Yiping Liu, Jianhui Wei, Jing Shu, Taowei Zhong, Qian Chen, Ping Zhu and Jiabi Qin

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3094; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153094 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2363

Abstract

This study attempted to learn the association between maternal betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) gene polymorphisms, maternal dietary habits, and their interactions with the risk of ventricular septal defects (VSD) in offspring. A total of 426 mothers of VSD children and 740 control [...] Read more.

This study attempted to learn the association between maternal betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) gene polymorphisms, maternal dietary habits, and their interactions with the risk of ventricular septal defects (VSD) in offspring. A total of 426 mothers of VSD children and 740 control mothers were included in the study. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the level of associations and interaction effects. Our study suggested that mothers reporting excessive intake of smoked foods (aOR = 2.44, 95%CI: 1.89–3.13), barbecued foods (aOR = 1.86, 95%CI: 1.39–2.48), fried foods (aOR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.51–2.46), and pickled vegetables (aOR = 2.50, 95%CI: 1.92–3.25) were at a significantly higher risk of VSD in offspring, instead, mothers reporting regular intake of fresh fruits (aOR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.36–0.62), fish and shrimp (aOR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.28–0.44), fresh eggs, (aOR = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.45–0.71), beans (aOR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.56–0.83), and milk products (aOR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.56–0.80) were at a lower risk of VSD in offspring. In addition, maternal BHMT gene polymorphisms at rs1316753 (CG vs. CC: aOR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.43–2.83) and rs1915706 (CT vs. TT: (aOR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.33–2.46) were significantly associated with increased risk of VSD in offspring. Furthermore, a significant interaction between BHMT polymorphisms and maternal bean intake was identified in the study. In conclusion, Maternal BHMT polymorphisms at rs1316753 and rs1915706, dietary habits as well as their interaction were observed to be significantly associated with the risk of VSD in offspring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Underreporting of Energy Intake Increases over Pregnancy: An Intensive Longitudinal Study of Women with Overweight and Obesity

by Katherine M. McNitt, Emily E. Hohman, Daniel E. Rivera, Penghong Guo, Abigail M. Pauley, Alison D. Gernand, Danielle Symons Downs and Jennifer S. Savage

Nutrients 2022, 14(11), 2326; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112326 - 1 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3243

Abstract

(1) Background: Energy intake (EI) underreporting is a widespread problem of great relevance to public health, yet is poorly described among pregnant women. This study aimed to describe and predict error in self-reported EI across pregnancy among women with overweight or obesity. (2) [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Energy intake (EI) underreporting is a widespread problem of great relevance to public health, yet is poorly described among pregnant women. This study aimed to describe and predict error in self-reported EI across pregnancy among women with overweight or obesity. (2) Methods: Participants were from the Healthy Mom Zone study, an adaptive intervention to regulate gestational weight gain (GWG) tested in a feasibility RCT and followed women (n = 21) with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 from 8–12 weeks to ~36 weeks gestation. Mobile health technology was used to measure daily weight (Wi-Fi Smart Scale), physical activity (activity monitor), and self-reported EI (MyFitnessPal App). Estimated EI was back-calculated daily from measured weight and physical activity data. Associations between underreporting and gestational age, demographics, pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG, perceived stress, and eating behaviors were tested. (3) Results: On average, women were 30.7 years old and primiparous (62%); reporting error was −38% ± 26 (range: −134% (underreporting) to 97% (overreporting)), representing an ~1134 kcal daily underestimation of EI (1404 observations). Estimated (back-calculated), but not self-reported, EI increased across gestation (p < 0.0001). Higher pre-pregnancy BMI (p = 0.01) and weekly GWG (p = 0.0007) was associated with greater underreporting. Underreporting was lower when participants reported higher stress (p = 0.02) and emotional eating (p < 0.0001) compared with their own average. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest systemic underreporting in pregnant women with elevated BMI using a popular mobile app to monitor diet. Advances in technology that allow estimation of EI from weight and physical activity data may provide more accurate dietary self-monitoring during pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (15 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI