International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

13 pages, 1993 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Dietary Diversity and Birth Weight in Offspring: Evidence from a Chinese Population-Based Study

by Yuxin Teng, Hui Jing, Samuel Chacha, Ziping Wang, Yan Huang, Jiaomei Yang, Hong Yan and Shaonong Dang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043228 - 12 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1571

Abstract

Studies on the association between maternal dietary diversity and birth weight in offspring are limited, and the impact of such an adjustable factor on birth weight requires investigation to promote neonatal health. This study used data from a larger-scale population-based survey conducted in [...] Read more.

Studies on the association between maternal dietary diversity and birth weight in offspring are limited, and the impact of such an adjustable factor on birth weight requires investigation to promote neonatal health. This study used data from a larger-scale population-based survey conducted in northwest China to evaluate the association of maternal dietary diversity with neonatal birth weight with a generalized estimating equation model. The results found that maternal dietary diversity was positively associated with neonate birth weight. Furthermore, a higher minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) score during pregnancy was related to a lower risk of low birth weight (LBW) in offspring. The mothers with the highest MDD-W score had a 38% (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43–0.89) lower risk of LBW than those with the lowest score. Similarly, the mothers with the highest animal-based food dietary diversity score (DDS) had 39% (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38–0.98) lower risk of LBW in offspring compared with those with the lowest animal-based food DDS. Moreover, the ratio of animal-based food DDS to non-animal-based food DDS could play an important role in predicting neonate birth weight. In conclusion, increasing maternal dietary diversity would improve birth weight in offspring, especially by increasing the intake of animal-based foods among the Chinese population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Child Nutrition)

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13 pages, 1277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Maternal Blood Glucose Levels during Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: A Birth Cohort Study

by Doudou Zhao, Danmeng Liu, Wenhao Shi, Li Shan, Wentao Yue, Pengfei Qu, Chenghong Yin and Yang Mi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032102 - 24 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2088

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal blood glucose levels during pregnancy and neonatal birth outcomes in Northwest China. Methods: This population-based cohort study included 10,010 first-trimester pregnant women who joined the birth cohort of the Northwest Women’s and Children’s [...] Read more.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal blood glucose levels during pregnancy and neonatal birth outcomes in Northwest China. Methods: This population-based cohort study included 10,010 first-trimester pregnant women who joined the birth cohort of the Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital from July 2018 to July 2020. Basic demographic characteristics, lifestyle and behavior patterns were collected. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results during the second trimester and pregnancy outcomes after childbirth were also collected. A generalized linear model was constructed to analyze the effects of blood glucose levels on neonatal birth outcomes. Results: We found that every 1 mmol/L increase in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was associated with an increase in birth weight (β = 100.22 g, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 81.91, 118.52), birth weight Z score (β = 0.23, 95%CI: 0.19, 0.27) and birth weight Z centile (β = 6.72%, 95%CI: 5.51, 7.94). Moreover, the risk of macrosomia, premature birth and being born large for gestational age (LGA) increased by 2.01 (95%CI: 1.67, 2.43), 1.35 (95%CI: 1.09, 1.66) and 1.80 (95%CI: 1.57, 2.07) times, respectively. Additionally, for every 1 mmol/L increase in FPG associated with a decrease in gestational age (β = −0.12 weeks, 95%CI: −0.19, −0.06), the risk of SGA decreased by 0.70 (OR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.55, 0.89) times. Every 1 mmol/L increase in 1/2-h PG had similar outcomes as FPG, besides premature birth and SGA. Conclusions: Higher blood glucose in pregnant women may increase neonatal birth weight, decrease gestational age and lead to a higher risk of macrosomia, premature birth and LGA. Mothers should actively prevent and control hyperglycemia to promote maternal and infant health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Child Nutrition)

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20 pages, 1723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between the Use of Folic Acid Supplements during Pregnancy and Children’s Cognitive Function at 7–9 Years of Age in the INMA Cohort Study

by Laura María Compañ-Gabucio, Laura Torres-Collado, Manuela Garcia-de la Hera, Ana Fernández-Somoano, Adonina Tardón, Jordi Julvez, Jordi Sunyer, Marisa Rebagliato, Mario Murcia, Jesús Ibarluzea, Loreto Santa-Marina and Jesús Vioque

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12123; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912123 - 25 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2353

Abstract

This study investigated the association between maternal low (<400 μg/day) or high (≥1000 μg/day) folic acid supplements (FAs) use during pregnancy and the attentional function and working memory in boys and girls at age 7–9. A longitudinal analysis based on 1609 mother–child pairs [...] Read more.

This study investigated the association between maternal low (<400 μg/day) or high (≥1000 μg/day) folic acid supplements (FAs) use during pregnancy and the attentional function and working memory in boys and girls at age 7–9. A longitudinal analysis based on 1609 mother–child pairs from the Spanish Infancia y Medio Ambiente Project was carried out. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that, compared to the recommended FAs use, a low FAs use during the second period of pregnancy was associated with a lower alertness in all children (β = 18.70 ms; 95% CI: 7.51; 29.89) and in girls (β = 30.01 ms; 95% CI: 12.96; 47.01), and with a lower N-back Task performance in boys (d’ number 2-back (β = −0.25; 95% CI: −0.49; 0.01)). A high FAs use throughout the two periods of pregnancy was associated with a better N-back Task performance only in girls (d’ number 2-back (β = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.01; 0.56) and d’ number 3-back (β = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.08; 0.56)). The maternal use of FAs beyond the periconceptional period may affect children’s attentional function and working memory at age 7–9 differently for boys and girls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Child Nutrition)

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12 pages, 472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Infant Young Child Feeding Practices in an Indian Maternal–Child Birth Cohort in Belagavi, Karnataka

by Shweta Khandelwal, Dimple Kondal, Anindita Ray Chakravarti, Soumam Dutta, Bipsa Banerjee, Monica Chaudhry, Kamal Patil, Mallaiah Kenchaveeraiah Swamy, Usha Ramakrishnan, Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Nikhil Tandon and Aryeh D. Stein

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5088; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095088 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3820

Abstract

Poor infant young child feeding (IYCF) practices result in malnutrition, poor psychosocial development, poor school performance and less productivity in later life, thereby perpetuating a vicious cycle. The current study aims to characterize the IYCF practices during the first year of life in [...] Read more.

Poor infant young child feeding (IYCF) practices result in malnutrition, poor psychosocial development, poor school performance and less productivity in later life, thereby perpetuating a vicious cycle. The current study aims to characterize the IYCF practices during the first year of life in a maternal–child birth cohort (DHANI) in Belagavi, Karnataka, India. We collected data from the dyad at birth, 6 and 12 months postpartum. We examined dietary diversity among these infants at 12 months using WHO criteria. A total of 902 live births were recorded, and 878 mother–child pairs completed the 12-month follow up. The overall prevalence of early (within 1 h of delivery) initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) was 77.9%, and that of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 months was 52.4%. At 12 months, most (90%) infants were breastfed, while 39% also received formula. The large majority (94.4%) of infants met minimum meal frequency (MMF), but only 55% of infants were receiving a minimum acceptable diet (MAD). The mean dietary diversity (DD) score was 4.7 ± 1.1. Only 21.9% of infants consumed egg and/or flesh food. A large proportion (33.8%) of infants received no vegetables and/or fruits till 12 months of age. Consumption of sweet beverage was 4.8%, but consumption of ultra-processed foods high in trans-fats, sugars and salt was high (85.8%). High-quality, sustainable and scalable interventions to enhance knowledge and support positive behaviour change for adopting and implementing better IYCF practices may be urgently needed in low- and middle-income group settings to improve diet diversity and overall nutritional intake amongst young children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Child Nutrition)

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13 pages, 630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Supplement Use during Pregnancy: Perceptions versus Reality

by Caihong Xiang, Jing Luo, Guilian Yang, Minghui Sun, Hanmei Liu, Qiping Yang, Yufeng Ouyang, Yue Xi, Cuiting Yong, Muhammad Jamal Khan and Qian Lin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074063 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2881

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the prevalence, associated factors and perceptions of dietary supplement use among pregnant Chinese women. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data about prevalence, purchase channels, perceptions, and related factors of dietary supplement use from 572 pregnant women, [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the prevalence, associated factors and perceptions of dietary supplement use among pregnant Chinese women. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data about prevalence, purchase channels, perceptions, and related factors of dietary supplement use from 572 pregnant women, through a face-to-face survey, using a self-designed questionnaire. Of the respondents, 94.8% used at least one dietary supplement, whereas 29.8% used more than four supplements in the previous month. The majority of the pregnant women were highly educated (81.2% had a bachelor’s degree or above) and had the perception that dietary supplements could prevent and improve (89.2%), or treat, nutrition-related diseases (78.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that pregnant women who had used multiple (more than four) supplements were more likely to have a larger gestational age, received fertility treatment, more prenatal visits, and hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Furthermore, pregnant women not only purchased dietary supplements through hospitals (72.6%) and pharmacies (45.1%), but overseas Daigou or online purchases (31.8%) were also a major channel of purchase. A high prevalence of dietary supplement use during pregnancy was observed, with extensive and repeated consumption of nutrients. Pregnant women’s craze for dietary supplements calls for more comprehensive guidelines in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Child Nutrition)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

16 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Phytochemicals and Plant-Based Diets in Gestational Diabetes: Evidence from Clinical Trials

by Kataryna Jaworsky, Pamela DeVillez and Arpita Basu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4188; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054188 - 26 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2229

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance identified during pregnancy. The increased risk of pregnancy complications and the adverse health effects for the mother and baby associated with GDM require urgent and effective ways to control the condition. The primary goal [...] Read more.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance identified during pregnancy. The increased risk of pregnancy complications and the adverse health effects for the mother and baby associated with GDM require urgent and effective ways to control the condition. The primary goal of this semi-quantitative review was to examine the effects of phytochemicals and plant-based diets on GDM in clinical studies involving women undergoing pregnancy and to summarize the findings for application in clinical practice and disease management. The articles included in this review show that intervention strategies, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and tea, may be beneficial in the management of GDM and lower blood glucose and improve adverse pregnancy outcomes in these women. The randomized controlled trials reviewed collectively show improved glycemic control markers, blood lipid values, and body weight and composition when supplemented with phytochemical-rich supplements and foods compared to those in the control groups. The findings support the clinical observations of lower GDM risks in women consuming plant-derived diets rich in phytochemicals. Nutrition interventions involving plant-based foods and diets are thus a practical way to reduce hyperglycemia both in patients diagnosed with GDM and those at high risk for the development of GDM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Child Nutrition)

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Other

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8 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Salt-Containing Recipes in Popular Magazines with the Highest Circulation in the United States Do Not Specify Iodized Salt in the Ingredient List

by Josephine Uerling, Emily Nieckula, Katarina Mico, Arantxa Bonifaz Rosas, Emmie Cohen and Helena Pachón

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054595 - 5 Mar 2023

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Abstract

Iodine deficiency is a public health problem in the US, with the iodine status of women of reproductive age decreasing in recent years. This may be attributable to voluntary salt iodization in the US. Magazines, a common source of recipes and nutritional information, [...] Read more.

Iodine deficiency is a public health problem in the US, with the iodine status of women of reproductive age decreasing in recent years. This may be attributable to voluntary salt iodization in the US. Magazines, a common source of recipes and nutritional information, may influence salt use and iodine intake. The aim of this study is to assess whether the magazines with the highest circulation in the US include recipes that contain salt and, if so, whether they specify “iodized salt” in the recipes. Recipes in eight of the top ten magazines by circulation in the US were examined. Standardized information was collected on the presence and type of salt in recipes in the last 12 issues reviewed per magazine. About 73% of the 102 issues reviewed contained recipes. A total of 1026 recipes were surveyed for salt; 48% of the recipes listed salt as an ingredient. None of the 493 recipes containing salt specified iodized salt as the type of salt to be used. About half of the recipes in the last 12 issues of popular magazines published in the US included salt in the ingredient list; however, none recommend the use of iodized salt. There is potential for editorial changes among magazines to call for iodized salt in recipes, which may further prevent iodine deficiency in the US. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Child Nutrition)

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Graphical abstract

8 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Higher Diet Quality in Latina Women during Pregnancy May Be Associated with Sociodemographic Factors

by Juliana Teruel Camargo, Matthew K. Taylor, Byron J. Gajewski, Susan E. Carlson, Debra K. Sullivan and Heather D. Gibbs

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 13895; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192113895 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1501

Abstract

Acculturation contributes to low diet quality and can foster health inequities for Latina women during pregnancy. Conversely, nutrition literacy (NL) increases diet quality and could promote health equity. This study assessed the associations between the diet quality, acculturation, and NL of Latina women [...] Read more.

Acculturation contributes to low diet quality and can foster health inequities for Latina women during pregnancy. Conversely, nutrition literacy (NL) increases diet quality and could promote health equity. This study assessed the associations between the diet quality, acculturation, and NL of Latina women (n = 99) participating in the Assessment of Docosahexaenoic Acid On Reducing Early Preterm Birth (ADORE) study. Acculturation and nutrition literacy factored together tended to modify diet quality, but this was not statistically significant. Diet quality was associated with acculturation, age, and nativity. Most (76.8%) demonstrated low nutrition literacy. Women who were bicultural and were born in Latin American countries other than Mexico had lower diet quality scores than women who had lower acculturation and were born in Mexico. Women who were 35 years or older had better diet quality than those who were younger. Future studies are needed to explore diet quality differences for pregnant Latina women with high nutrition literacy and high acculturation, as well as for women from the Caribbean, Central and South American countries living in the US, to promote nutrition and maternal health for Latina women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Child Nutrition)

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