Mediterranean Diet: The Benefits To Mother And Child During Pregnancy

A Mediterranean diet emphasizes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, lean proteins, fish, and olive oil. New research finds that children born to mothers who adhered to this diet during pregnancy had better neurodevelopment at age 2. Experts confirm a Mediterranean diet is healthy in pregnancy but caution against fish high in mercury.

A study in JAMA Network Open reports that children of mothers who followed a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy scored higher in cognitive and social-emotional development at age 2. Researchers suggest that the diet’s components, such as fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamin E, and choline, reduce inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, benefiting brain development.

The study involved 1,221 pregnant women divided into three groups: a Mediterranean diet group, a mindfulness-based stress reduction group, and a control group. The Mediterranean diet group received nutritional guidance and followed the diet for 11-13 weeks. Assessing 626 children at age 2, researchers found better cognitive and social-emotional scores in those whose mothers followed the diet.

Dana Hunnes, PhD, a senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Medical Center, says the findings align with the understanding that a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet during pregnancy supports better neurodevelopmental outcomes. Previous research has shown that maternal lifestyle, including diet, significantly impacts children’s health outcomes.

The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limits red meat, dairy, and highly processed foods. Lauri Wright, PhD, president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, emphasizes the importance of omega-3 fatty acids from fish for cognitive development but warns against fish high in mercury.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises pregnant women to add extra calories daily from the second trimester and limit fish known to have higher mercury levels. Prenatal vitamins and a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, dairy, and lean proteins are also crucial for supporting infant growth.

In summary, experts recommend a Mediterranean diet for pregnant women to support their baby’s brain development and overall health. Eating a healthy, minimally processed diet and consulting with healthcare providers is essential during pregnancy.

Source: jamanetwork.com