Mediterranean diet, nutrient intakes and pregnancy: results from a Sicilian mother-child cohort: Andrea Giuseppe Maugeri

Introduction

International reports on good maternal nutrition highlight the importance of protecting and promoting public health through the improved nutrition of pregnant women. Poor maternal nutritional stratus can induce both offspring short-term and longer lasting effects. The aim of the present study is to examine whether the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and nutrient intakes are determinants of fetal growth and development.

Methods

A total of 110 mother-child pairs were enrolled. During pregnancy, Maternal Mediterranean Diet score (MDS) and nutrient intakes were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire administered. Nutrient deficiencies were estimated considering the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) for pregnant women. Low birth weight (LBW) was defined as a birth weight <2.5kg. Macrosomia was defined as birth weight greater than or equal to 4.0kg.

Results

Mean MDS was 3.9 (median=4.0); 34% of women showed poor adherence to MD and only 6% a high adherence. The intakes of Vitamin A, C and B6 met the requirements, whereas intakes of Vitamin D, folate, magnesium, and zinc were below EARs. Mean birth weight was 3.2Kg (median=3.3 Kg); accordingly, the 8.7% of infants was classified as LBW, whereas the 7.8% was diagnosed with macrosomia. Compared to mothers of children with adequate birth weight, mothers of LBW infants showed a lower MD adherence (MDS=2.8 vs. MDS=4.1; p = 0.022). Conversely, mothers of infants diagnosed with macrosomia reported higher vitamin D intake compared to mother of children with adequate birth weight (6.5μg vs 3.7μg; p = 0,004).

Conclusions

This study revealed that maternal dietary habits are imbalanced in the nutrient intake when compared to EARs. Adherence to MD and vitamin D intake are potential determinants of fetal growth. Further researches are needed to provide strategies of primary prevention against birth outcomes, based on dietary patterns that are able to improve prenatal women's nutrient intake status.

Key messages:

• Adherence to Mediterranean diet and nutrient intakes are important determinants of fetal growth and development, leading to both offspring short-term and longer lasting effects.

• Current maternal diet is imbalanced in the nutrient intake when compared to the requirements. Dietary intervention strategies are needed to provide primary prevention against adverse birth outcomes.