Diet quality and nutrient density in pregnant women according to adherence to Mediterranean diet

Abstract

Background and aimsThe dietary pattern followed during pregnancy, specifically healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, is a key factor in the mother’s and the offspring’s health. Pregnant women dietary intake is not enough to cover the micronutrient requirements of pregnancy, and higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet may improve dietary quality and nutritional density. The aim of the present study was to describe the dietary nutrient intake and diet quality during pregnancy and to evaluate whether a high adherence to Mediterranean diet was associated with a more adequate intake of micronutrients.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study with 1,356 pregnant women selected during the routine second trimester ultrasound scan (19–23 weeks’ gestation). Energy and nutrient intake were calculated using a validated 151-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and nutrient density was estimated dividing the absolute nutrient intake by total energy intake. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated with a 17-item Mediterranean diet adherence score. The criterion used for risk of inadequate nutrient intake has been set below two thirds (2/3) of the dietary reference intakes. The differences were assessed by multivariate linear regression models adjusted for confounders.ResultsA significant proportion of pregnant women had an inadequate intake of macro and micronutrient that was lower in those with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet (≥12 points, n = 122, 19%), including calcium (the Mediterranean diet high adherence 2.5% vs. low adherence 26.7%, p < 0.001), magnesium (0% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.001), iron (24.5% vs. 74.1%, p < 0.001), and vitamin B9 (0% vs. 29.8%, p < 0.001), vitamin C (0% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.033), and vitamin D (61.5% vs. 92.8%, p < 0.001) intake. High adherence to Mediterranean diet was associated with higher intake of protein, monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamins (B1, B9, C, D), calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphor, potassium, essential fatty acids, and α-linolenic acid, and with a lower intake of α-linoleic acid and trans fatty acids as compared to low adherence to Mediterranean diet.ConclusionHigh adherence to Mediterranean diet was associated with higher diet quality and lower proportion of inadequate micro and macronutrient intake. The Mediterranean diet promotion, particularly among pregnant women, may be a useful and public health strategy to avoid overweight and nutrient deficiencies.

Higher Concentrations of Essential Trace Elements in Women Undergoing IVF May Be Associated with Poor Reproductive Outcomes Following Single Euploid Embryo Transfer

“…While there is current interest for adjuvant therapies to improve reproductive outcomes, such as micronutrient supplementation, in the context of assisted reproductive treatments, it has been reported that the best strategy for improving reproductive outcomes is adherence to the Mediterranean diet [57,58]. Part of this effect may be due to the fact that this diet is associated with higher concentrations of micronutrients [57]. In addition, the use of dehydroepiandrosterone, co-enzyme Q10, melatonin, and essential fatty acids may be beneficial in some situations [58].…”

Role of Gut Microbiota, Immune Imbalance, and Allostatic Load in the Occurrence and Development of Diabetic Kidney Disease

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