Impact of Mediterranean-Style Diet During Pregnancy on Maternal and Infant Health
Recent studies reveal that a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy enhances maternal health and reduces infection risks in infants by positively influencing gut microbiota and immune function.
Recent research highlights the significant benefits of adopting a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy, emphasizing its positive effects on both maternal and infant health. This diet, characterized by high intake of fiber, plant-based proteins, and healthy fats, contributes to improved intestinal function, enhanced mucosal immunity, and balanced gut microbiota in mothers. Such dietary patterns not only support maternal wellbeing by preventing fat accumulation and promoting optimal lipid metabolism but also play a crucial role in reducing the severity and frequency of infections in newborns.
Findings from two comprehensive studies published in eBioMedicine, supported by La Marató de TV3 and led by scientists from the University of Barcelona, provide valuable insights into these benefits. The first study examined the impact of diets rich in fiber, vegetable proteins, and healthy fats, comparing Mediterranean-like diets to Western diets rich in animal proteins and fats, and demonstrated that a Mediterranean diet with added fish oil, soy protein, and inulin has favorable effects on lipid metabolism, microbiota composition, and immune response during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These dietary patterns appear to bolster the mother's immune system and facilitate better physiological recovery post-childbirth.
The second study focused on how maternal diet influences infant health, revealing that diets high in plant proteins, fiber, and polyunsaturated fats can decrease infection severity in early life. This is attributed to modifications in gut microbiota and the composition of breast milk immune components like immunoglobulin A (IgA). The research underscores the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation for developing a strong foundation for infant immunity.
By integrating these insights into dietary guidelines, healthcare providers can better support mothers’ health and promote optimal infant development. Continued research is essential to further unravel the biological mechanisms at play and to refine recommendations for maternal nutrition that can yield enduring health benefits.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-mediterranean-style-diet-pregnancy-mother.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Low-Fiber Diet Linked to High-Risk Atherosclerotic Plaques in Coronary Arteries
A recent study links low dietary fiber intake with the development of high-risk, unstable plaques in coronary arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks. Improving diet quality may aid in prevention.
Plant-Based Diets Promote Weight Loss in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes, New Study Finds
A new study reveals that replacing animal products with plant-based foods can lead to significant weight loss in adults with type 1 diabetes, supporting plant-focused dietary strategies for better health management.
Understanding Protein: Myths, Needs, and the Best Sources for Optimal Health
Learn the facts about dietary protein, including how much you need, the best sources, and debunking common myths to support your health effectively.
Transforming Hospital Food: The Movement Toward Healthier Choices
Hospitals are transforming their food offerings by promoting healthier options through innovative programs, making nutritious choices more accessible for patients and visitors. Learn how initiatives like the Good Food, Healthy Hospitals are redefining hospital nutrition.