Impact of Mediterranean-Style Diet During Pregnancy on Maternal and Infant Health

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