Nutrients

Editorial

4 pages, 176 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy: A Vital Component in Building the Health and Well-Being of Both the Mother and the Developing Baby

by Yushu Qin and Linglin Xie

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3395; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153395 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2111

Abstract

Maternal health is of the utmost importance during pregnancy, not just for the mother but also for the developing fetus [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

Research

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14 pages, 1715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Homocysteine as a Preconceptional Screening Factor for In Vitro Fertilization and Prevention of Miscarriage with Folic Acid Supplementation Following Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Cohort Study

by Seiji Ogawa, Kuniaki Ota, Toshifumi Takahashi and Hiroaki Yoshida

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3730; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173730 - 25 Aug 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2986

Abstract

Homocysteine is an amino acid naturally produced in the body and metabolized via the methionine cycle. High homocysteine levels can increase the risk of infertility and pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, preterm delivery, miscarriage, and low birth weight. Preconceptional homocysteine levels may be [...] Read more.

Homocysteine is an amino acid naturally produced in the body and metabolized via the methionine cycle. High homocysteine levels can increase the risk of infertility and pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, preterm delivery, miscarriage, and low birth weight. Preconceptional homocysteine levels may be reduced by taking folic acid supplements to reduce the risk of such complications. This cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted to examine the role of homocysteine in 1060 infertile women with a history of IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) failure. We analyzed whether folic acid intervention altered homocysteine levels and influenced reproductive outcome. We found that a higher homocysteine level was statistically associated with a lower fertilization rate in patients with a history of IVF/ICSI failure. There was an inverse relationship between homocysteine levels and serum 25(OH)VD, and a trend towards lower anti mullerian hormone in the group with higher homocysteine levels. This is the first interventional study to identify that folic acid supplementation improved pregnancy outcomes following freeze embryo transfer (FET) in women with a history of FET failure by monitoring the reduction in homocysteine levels. Therefore, folic acid supplementation and homocysteine level monitoring may constitute a novel intervention for improving IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

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17 pages, 1487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Diversity and Its Contribution to the Magnitude of Anaemia among Pregnant Women: Evidence from Rural Areas of Western China

by Zhengjie Cai, Linhua Li, Jieyuan Feng, Hein Raat, Yuju Wu, Huan Zhou and Scott Rozelle

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3714; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173714 - 25 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1605

Abstract

Background: Prenatal anaemia causes serious consequences for both mother and foetus, and dietary factors are suggested to be associated with anaemia. However, research in pregnant women living in rural areas is limited. We aim to assess the contribution of dietary diversity to the [...] Read more.

Background: Prenatal anaemia causes serious consequences for both mother and foetus, and dietary factors are suggested to be associated with anaemia. However, research in pregnant women living in rural areas is limited. We aim to assess the contribution of dietary diversity to the magnitude of prenatal anaemia in rural China and identify the interactions between dietary diversity and several sociodemographic and maternal characteristics in relation to anaemia. Methods: A multi-stage random cluster sampling method was used to select pregnant women in rural western China. The Woman’s Dietary Diversity Score was created to measure dietary diversity, which was recoded into terciles. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between dietary diversity score terciles and the magnitude of prenatal anaemia. Multiplicative interactions were tested by adding the product term of dietary diversity and several sociodemographic and maternal characteristics into the regression models. Results: Out of 969 participants, 54.3% were measured as anaemic, with 28.6% mildly anaemic and 25.7% moderately to severely anaemic. There was an absence of agreement between self-reported and measured anaemia status (κ = 0.28, 95% CI [0.22–0.34]). Participants in the highest dietary diversity score tercile had lower odds of being moderately to severely anaemic after adjusting for potential confounders (RRR = 0.65, 95% CI [0.44, 0.98]). In participants with moderate to severe anaemia, significant interactions were found between dietary diversity score terciles, age, and parity (p for interaction < 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of prenatal anaemia in rural China remains high, and pregnant women living in these areas are insufficiently aware of their anaemia status. Improving dietary diversity is needed to manage prenatal anaemia in rural areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

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15 pages, 3900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reprogramming Effects of Postbiotic Butyrate and Propionate on Maternal High-Fructose Diet-Induced Offspring Hypertension

by You-Lin Tain, Chih-Yao Hou, Guo-Ping Chang-Chien, Sufan Lin, Hong-Tai Tzeng, Wei-Chia Lee, Kay L. H. Wu, Hong-Ren Yu, Julie Y. H. Chan and Chien-Ning Hsu

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071682 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2505

Abstract

Maternal nutrition has a key role in the developmental programming of adult disease. Excessive maternal fructose intake contributes to offspring hypertension. Newly discovered evidence supports the idea that early-life gut microbiota are connected to hypertension later in life. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), butyrate, [...] Read more.

Maternal nutrition has a key role in the developmental programming of adult disease. Excessive maternal fructose intake contributes to offspring hypertension. Newly discovered evidence supports the idea that early-life gut microbiota are connected to hypertension later in life. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), butyrate, and propionate are microbiota-derived metabolites, also known as postbiotics. The present study aimed to determine whether maternal butyrate or propionate supplementation can protect offspring from hypertension using a maternal high-fructose (HF) diet rat model. Female Sprague Dawley rats were allocated during pregnancy and lactation to (1) regular chow (ND); (2) 60% high-fructose diet (HF); (3) HF diet plus butyrate (HFB, 400 mg/kg/day); and (4) HF diet plus propionate (HFP, 200 mmol/L). Male offspring were sacrificed at 12 weeks of age. The maternal HF diet impaired the offspring’s BP, which was prevented by perinatal butyrate or propionate supplementation. Both butyrate and propionate treatments similarly increased plasma concentrations of propionic acid, isobutyric acid, and valeric acid in adult offspring. Butyrate supplementation had a more profound impact on trimethylamine N-oxide metabolism and nitric oxide parameters. Whilst propionate treatment mainly influenced gut microbiota composition, it directly altered the abundance of genera Anaerovorax, Lactobacillus, Macellibacteroides, and Rothia. Our results shed new light on targeting gut microbiota through the use of postbiotics to prevent maternal HF intake-primed hypertension, a finding worthy of clinical translation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

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25 pages, 1717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elevated Maternal Folate Status and Changes in Maternal Prolactin, Placental Lactogen and Placental Growth Hormone Following Folic Acid Food Fortification: Evidence from Two Prospective Pregnancy Cohorts

by Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos, Melanie D. Smith, Shalem Leemaqz, Jessica Williamson, Dylan McCullough, Anya L. Arthurs, Lauren A. Jones, Konstantinos Justin Bogias, Ben W. Mol, Julia Dalton, Gustaaf A. Dekker and Claire T. Roberts

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1553; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071553 - 23 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2966

Abstract

Folic acid (FA) food fortification in Australia has resulted in a higher-than-expected intake of FA during pregnancy. High FA intake is associated with increased insulin resistance and gestational diabetes. We aimed to establish whether maternal one-carbon metabolism and hormones that regulate glucose homeostasis [...] Read more.

Folic acid (FA) food fortification in Australia has resulted in a higher-than-expected intake of FA during pregnancy. High FA intake is associated with increased insulin resistance and gestational diabetes. We aimed to establish whether maternal one-carbon metabolism and hormones that regulate glucose homeostasis change in healthy pregnancies post-FA food fortification. Circulating folate, B12, homocysteine, prolactin (PRL), human placental lactogen (hPL) and placental growth hormone (GH2) were measured in early pregnancy maternal blood in women with uncomplicated pregnancies prior to (SCOPE: N = 604) and post (STOP: N = 711)-FA food fortification. FA food fortification resulted in 63% higher maternal folate. STOP women had lower hPL (33%) and GH2 (43%) after 10 weeks of gestation, but they had higher PRL (29%) and hPL (28%) after 16 weeks. FA supplementation during pregnancy increased maternal folate and reduced homocysteine but only in the SCOPE group, and it was associated with 54% higher PRL in SCOPE but 28% lower PRL in STOP. FA food fortification increased maternal folate status, but supplements no longer had an effect, thereby calling into question their utility. An altered secretion of hormones that regulate glucose homeostasis in pregnancy could place women post-fortification at an increased risk of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes, particularly for older women and those with obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

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26 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased LC PUFA Levels in the Serum of Pregnant Women and Their Children as a Result of Dietary Supplementation with ‘Omega’ Fatty Acids

by Magdalena Broś-Konopielko, Agnieszka Białek, Monika Johne and Krzysztof Czajkowski

Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010231 - 2 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3293

Abstract

Essential fatty acids (EFA) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA) are considered the most valuable bioactive fatty acids (FA) of the greatest importance for the mother’s and child’s health (e.g., placentation process, labor course, development of the central nervous system, visual acuity, [...] Read more.

Essential fatty acids (EFA) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA) are considered the most valuable bioactive fatty acids (FA) of the greatest importance for the mother’s and child’s health (e.g., placentation process, labor course, development of the central nervous system, visual acuity, cognitive functions), which results in dietary recommendations concerning EFA and LC PUFA intake in the diet of pregnant women. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of different food products consumption and ‘omega’ dietary supplements usage in groups of pregnant women. We also measured n-3 and n-6 FA content in serum samples of pregnant women and their children with the GC-FID technique, estimated the efficacy of applied supplementation, and compared the usefulness of different dietary supplements dedicated for pregnant women. ‘Omega’ dietary supplements effectively increased LC PUFA in the maternal blood (EPA, p = 0.0379; DHA p < 0.0001; n-3 PUFA, p < 0.0001), which penetrated the umbilical cord (EPA, p = 0.0131; DHA, p = 0.0288). If fish and seafood consumption is not enough, dietary supplements of the highest quality may provide sufficient LC PUFA without apprehension of MetHg contamination. ‘Omega’ dietary supplementation seems the most efficient way of providing an optimal supply of LC PUFA for the developing child from the earliest stages of development, which will bring advantages in the child’s future life and its health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

12 pages, 2440 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Gliadin Intake Reduces Oocyte Quality with Chromosomal Aberrations and Increases Embryonic Lethality through Oxidative Stress in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model

by Jae Hyuck Lee, Mijin Lee, Hyemin Min, Esther Youn and Yhong-Hee Shim

Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5403; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245403 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3267

Abstract

Oocyte quality is essential for reproductive capacity, but it rapidly declines with age. In addition to aging, maternal nutrition is a major concern in maintaining oocyte quality. Gliadin, a major component of gluten, causes gluten toxicity, which has been reported in a variety [...] Read more.

Oocyte quality is essential for reproductive capacity, but it rapidly declines with age. In addition to aging, maternal nutrition is a major concern in maintaining oocyte quality. Gliadin, a major component of gluten, causes gluten toxicity, which has been reported in a variety of gluten-related disorders. The basis of gluten toxicity in reproduction is being understood using simple animal models such as Caenorhabditis elegans. In this study, we examined the effects of gliadin peptide (GP; amino acids 151–170) intake on oocyte quality control in C. elegans. We found that GP intake impaired oocyte quality through chromosomal aberrations and mitochondrial oxidative stress, which was suppressed by antioxidant treatment. The reduced oocyte quality by GP intake consequently increased embryonic lethality. Furthermore, the expression of oxidative stress-responding genes prdx-3 and gst-4 was significantly increased by GP intake. The increased DAF-16 activity by GP intake suggests that DAF-16 is a possible transactivator of these antioxidant genes. Taken together, GP intake reduced reproductive capacity in C. elegans by decreasing oocyte quality and increasing embryonic lethality through mitochondrial oxidative stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

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12 pages, 330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectors of Pregorexia and Emesis among Pregnant Women: A Pilot Study

by Alexandros Gerontidis, Maria G. Grammatikopoulou, Christos Tzimos, Konstantinos Gkiouras, Eleftheria Taousani, Loukas Athanasiadis and Dimitrios G. Goulis

Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5275; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245275 - 10 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3429

Abstract

During pregnancy, women tend to improve their lifestyle habits and refine their dietary intake. Quite often, however, these dietary improvements take an unhealthy turn, with orthorexia nervosa (ON) practices being apparent. The aim of the present pilot cross-sectional study was to assess the [...] Read more.

During pregnancy, women tend to improve their lifestyle habits and refine their dietary intake. Quite often, however, these dietary improvements take an unhealthy turn, with orthorexia nervosa (ON) practices being apparent. The aim of the present pilot cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of ON tendencies and the incidence of pica and record diet practices in a sample of pregnant women. A total of 157 pregnant women were recruited through private practice gynecologists during the first months of 2021. Nutrition-related practices were recorded, orthorexic tendencies were assessed using the translated and culturally adapted Greek version of the ORTO-15 questionnaire, pica practices were evaluated with a binary question and nausea and emesis during pregnancy (NVP) was evaluated using the translated modified Pregnancy—Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (mPUQE). Only two women reported pica tendencies, with ice and snow being the consumed items. The majority (61.1%) of women reported improving their diet since conception was achieved. Folic acid and iron oral nutrient supplements (ONS) were reportedly consumed by the majority of participants (87.9% and 72.6%, respectively) and 9.6% reported using herbal medicine products. The ORTO-15 score was reduced with tertiary education attainment, ART conception, being in the third trimester of pregnancy, consumption of folic acid and MV supplements and was only increased among women who were at their first pregnancy. The majority of participants experienced severe NVP and the remaining experienced moderate NVP. NVP was associated with lower hemoglobin levels, lack of supplementary iron intake, avoidance of gluten-containing foods, as well as with increased gestational weight gain. The results highlight the need to screen pregnant women for disturbed eating behaviors and nutrition-related problems, in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

11 pages, 923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Folic Acid Supplementation in Early Pregnancy with Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Longitudinal Study

by Hongyan Chen, Yaqiong Hu, Yannan Li, Wenzheng Zhou, Niya Zhou, Huan Yang, Qing Chen, Yawen Li, Qiao Huang and Zhen Chen

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4061; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194061 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2407

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may lead to many adverse effects on women and their offspring. Method: 24,429 pregnant women were enrolled during early pregnancy from January 2018 to December 2021. The self-reported intake of folic acid supplements was assessed via a questionnaire. [...] Read more.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may lead to many adverse effects on women and their offspring. Method: 24,429 pregnant women were enrolled during early pregnancy from January 2018 to December 2021. The self-reported intake of folic acid supplements was assessed via a questionnaire. Oral glucose tolerance tests were used for the diagnosis of GDM. The association between intake or not, dose, and duration of folic acid and GDM risk was assessed. Results: 6396 (26.18%) women were diagnosed with GDM. In the univariate models, folic acid was found to be correlated with total GDM risk (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70~0.95, p = 0.009). After adjusting for potential confounders, the association with total GDM risk was not significant, but the association of folic acid with 2-h PBG diagnosed GDM risk was consistently significant (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.63~0.90, p = 0.002). No significant association between the dose and duration of folic acid supplementation and GDM risk was observed in the analyses. Conclusion: Folic acid supplementation might be a protective factor for the risk of GDM caused by the high level of postprandial blood glucose, but the dose or duration-related association between folic acid supplementation and GDM risk is not clear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

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20 pages, 1061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Supplement Use Differs from the Recommendations in Pregnant Women: A Multinational Survey

by Ella Koivuniemi, Kathryn Hart, Natalia Mazanowska, Stefania Ruggeri, Bernadette Egan, Laura Censi, Romana Roccaldo, Lilja Mattila, Pasquale Buonocore, Eliisa Löyttyniemi, Monique M. Raats, Miroslaw Wielgos and Kirsi Laitinen

Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2909; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142909 - 15 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3113

Abstract

The aim was to investigate, among pregnant women, (1) the use of food supplements and (2) the awareness of food supplement recommendations and beliefs about food supplement use in four European countries: Finland, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The participants (n [...] Read more.

The aim was to investigate, among pregnant women, (1) the use of food supplements and (2) the awareness of food supplement recommendations and beliefs about food supplement use in four European countries: Finland, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The participants (n = 1804) completed an online questionnaire with predefined statements. Daily intakes of vitamins and minerals were calculated using uploaded pictures or weblinks of the supplement packages. Country differences were assessed. Most participants (91%) used at least one food supplement during pregnancy. A prenatal multivitamin was the most commonly used supplement type (84% of the users), and 75% of the participants thought consumption of multivitamin is recommended. Of the participants, 81% knew that folic acid is recommended during pregnancy while 58% knew the recommendation for vitamin D. In 19% of the supplement users, the daily safe upper intake limit of at least one nutrient was exceeded. Nevertheless, most participants agreed that they knew which supplements (91%) and doses of supplements (87%) needed to be used during pregnancy. To conclude, the majority of the participants used food supplements, but lower proportions knew and adhered to the recommended intakes. Between-country differences were observed in the use and knowledge of and beliefs regarding supplements. The results suggest a need for assessment and monitoring of supplement use in antenatal care to ensure appropriate use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

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15 pages, 2369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal One-Carbon Supplement Reduced the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Male Offspring

by Hui Peng, Huiting Xu, Jie Wu, Jiangyuan Li, Xian Wang, Zhimin Liu, Minjee Kim, Minsun S. Jeon, Ke K. Zhang and Linglin Xie

Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2545; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122545 - 19 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2665

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested that prevention of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) should start with maternal dietary management. We previously reported disrupted methionine cycle, associated with NAFLD, in male offspring liver due to maternal high-fat (HF) diet, thus we hypothesize that [...] Read more.

Recent studies have suggested that prevention of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) should start with maternal dietary management. We previously reported disrupted methionine cycle, associated with NAFLD, in male offspring liver due to maternal high-fat (HF) diet, thus we hypothesize that maternal one-carbon supplement may reduce the risk of NAFLD in offspring via the normalizing methionine cycle. To test it, female mice (F0) were exposed to either a maternal normal-fat diet (NF group) a maternal HF diet (HF group), or a maternal methyl donor supplement (H1S or H2S group) during gestation and lactation. The offspring male mice (F1) were exposed to a postweaning HF diet to promote NAFLD. While the HF offspring displayed obesity, glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis, the H1S and H2S offspring avoided hepatic steatosis. This phenotype was associated with the normalization of the methionine cycle and the restoration of L-carnitine and AMPK activity. Furthermore, maternal HF diet induced epigenetic regulation of important genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation via DNA methylation modifications, which were recovered by maternal one-carbon supplementation. Our study provides evidence that maternal one-carbon supplement can reverse/block the adverse effects of maternal HF diet on promoting offspring NAFLD, suggesting a potential nutritional strategy that is administered to mothers to prevent NAFLD in the offspring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

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Review

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17 pages, 1014 KiB

Open AccessReview

Raspberry Leaves and Extracts-Molecular Mechanism of Action and Its Effectiveness on Human Cervical Ripening and the Induction of Labor

by Maciej W. Socha, Wojciech Flis, Mateusz Wartęga, Monika Szambelan, Miłosz Pietrus and Anita Kazdepka-Ziemińska

Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3206; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143206 - 19 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5884

Abstract

The gestational period is an incredibly stressful time for a pregnant woman. Pregnant patients constantly seek effective and reliable compounds in order to achieve a healthy labor. Nowadays, increasing numbers of women use herbal preparations and supplements during pregnancy. One of the most [...] Read more.

The gestational period is an incredibly stressful time for a pregnant woman. Pregnant patients constantly seek effective and reliable compounds in order to achieve a healthy labor. Nowadays, increasing numbers of women use herbal preparations and supplements during pregnancy. One of the most popular and most frequently chosen herbs during pregnancy is the raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus). Raspberry extracts are allegedly associated with a positive effect on childbirth through the induction of uterine contractions, acceleration of the cervical ripening, and shortening of childbirth. The history of the consumption of raspberry leaves throughout pregnancy is vast. This review shows the current status of the use of raspberry leaves in pregnancy, emphasizing the effect on the cervix, and the safety profile of this herb. The majority of women apply raspberry leaves during pregnancy to induce and ease labor. However, it has not been possible to determine the exact effect of using raspberry extracts on the course of childbirth and the perinatal period. Additionally, it is unclear whether this herb has only positive effects. The currently available data indicate a weak effect of raspberry leaf extracts on labor induction and, at the same time, their possible negative impact on cervical ripening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

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15 pages, 906 KiB

Open AccessReview

Understanding PPARγ and Its Agonists on Trophoblast Differentiation and Invasion: Potential Therapeutic Targets for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Preeclampsia

by Yushu Qin, Donalyn Bily, Makayla Aguirre, Ke Zhang and Linglin Xie

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2459; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112459 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2359

Abstract

The increasing incidence of pregnancy complications, particularly gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE), is a cause for concern, as they can result in serious health consequences for both mothers and infants. The pathogenesis of these complications is still not fully understood, although [...] Read more.

The increasing incidence of pregnancy complications, particularly gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE), is a cause for concern, as they can result in serious health consequences for both mothers and infants. The pathogenesis of these complications is still not fully understood, although it is known that the pathologic placenta plays a crucial role. Studies have shown that PPARγ, a transcription factor involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, may have a critical role in the etiology of these complications. While PPARγ agonists are FDA-approved drugs for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, their safety during pregnancy is not yet established. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence for the therapeutic potential of PPARγ in the treatment of PE using mouse models and in cell cultures. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the mechanism of PPARγ in placental pathophysiology and to explore the possibility of using PPARγ ligands as a treatment option for pregnancy complications. Overall, this topic is of great significance for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes and warrants further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

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Other

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29 pages, 2182 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Nutritional and Exercise-Focused Lifestyle Interventions and Glycemic Control in Women with Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

by Cassy F. Dingena, Daria Arofikina, Matthew D. Campbell, Melvin J. Holmes, Eleanor M. Scott and Michael A. Zulyniak

Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020323 - 9 Jan 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6098

Abstract

Diabetes disrupts one in six pregnancies, bestowing immediate and long-term health risks to mother and child. Diet and exercise are commonly prescribed to control dysglycemia, but their effectiveness across sub-populations and types of diabetes (type-1; type-2; or gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM) is uncertain. [...] Read more.

Diabetes disrupts one in six pregnancies, bestowing immediate and long-term health risks to mother and child. Diet and exercise are commonly prescribed to control dysglycemia, but their effectiveness across sub-populations and types of diabetes (type-1; type-2; or gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM) is uncertain. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of diet and/or exercise on glycemia in pregnant women with diabetes was conducted. Random effects models were used to evaluate effect sizes across studies and anticipated confounders (e.g., age, ethnicity, BMI). Of the 4845 records retrieved, 26 studies (8 nutritional supplements, 12 dietary, and 6 exercise interventions) were included. All studies were conducted in patients with GDM. Overall, supplement- and exercise-based interventions reduced fasting glucose (−0.30 mmol/L; 95% CI = −0.55, −0.06; p = 0.02; and 0.10 mmol/L; 95% CI = −0.20, −0.01; p = 0.04); and supplement- and diet-based interventions reduced HOMA-IR (−0.40; 95% CI = −0.58, −0.22; p < 0.001; and −1.15; 95% CI = −2.12, −0.17; p = 0.02). Subgroup analysis by confounders only confirmed marginal changed effect sizes. Our results suggest a favorable role of certain nutritional supplements, diet, and exercise practices on glycemia in women with GDM and underline a lack of evidence in ~20% of other diabetes-related pregnancies (i.e., women with pre-existing diabetes). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy)

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