A recent study from Yamanashi University investigates how fiber intake during pregnancy interferes with the baby’s neurodevelopment and other future health problems.
Science brings new insights into maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Researchers from La Trobe University (Australia) have shown that some types of bacteria can be found in our body even before birth, proving that the mother’s diet has an influence on the composition of the fetal microbiota. Natalia Barros, UNIFESP Master of Science Nutritionist and founder of NB Clinic, comments that, in fact, our microbiota begins to form in the mother’s belly.
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And why is it important? “The maternal microbiota during pregnancy shapes the vaginal microbiota and breast milk, which will alter the pioneering infant microbiota during a critical window of development, both in the uterus and in the infant after birth,” Natalia explains. According to her, the concept of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) – in Portuguese, Developmental Origins of Health and Disease – already proposes that various environmental factors, such as malnutrition, stress and exposure to chemicals during pregnancy and childhood are related to increased risk of various future diseases. Hence the importance of the study published at the end of July in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition by researchers at the University of Yamanashi. “He drew attention for concluding that maternal dietary fiber deficiency during pregnancy may influence an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay in offspring,” summarizes the nutritionist. She says the research used a database to evaluate dietary fiber and folic acid intakes and developmental delay by several domains. “Even after taking into account folic acid intake, which plays an essential role in neural development, there was a significant link between maternal dietary fiber intake during pregnancy and delayed child development,” she notes. . This is significant because, according to Natalia, “dietary fiber regulates the intestinal microbiome, through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced by the bacterial fermentation of the fiber”, she specifies, summarizing that this process is of great importance for the axis gut-brain. “The results of the study suggest that the inadequate intake of maternal dietary fiber during pregnancy influenced the delay in infantile neurodevelopment due to the decrease in SCFA production,” concludes the nutritionist.
Proper nutrition for the future of the child
“This maternal nutritional imbalance during pregnancy can affect not only the neurological development of their children, but also increase the risk of future problems, such as overweight, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, among others, Natalia points out. mother-child combination, explains the nutritionist, specifying: “Invest in foods rich in fiber, such as cereals, grains, seeds, beans, potatoes, greens, fruits, mushrooms and greens.” As for the volume of fiber intake, Natalia recommends the consumption of 25g, the value recommended by the Brazilian guidelines. .
Warnings
According to Natalia, the research shows some limitations, as it was conducted with humans, which prevents evaluating the effects of dietary fiber in isolation. She details: “Although the study considered the impact of folic acid intake during pregnancy, the possibility that other nutrients may have an impact cannot be ruled out,” reflects the expert. Another of her questions concerns the self-administered questionnaire method, where personal understanding of the questions can influence the answers. “He was also limited from not assessing other brain development factors, such as delivery pattern, breastfeeding, and food introduction,” Natalia adds.
ABOUT NATALIA BARROS:
- Nutritionist – São Camilo University Center
- Masters in Applied Sciences
- Department of Nutrition of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP)
- She founded the first graduate program in women’s health and human reproduction in Brazil
- Invited Lecturer – Postgraduate in Maternal and Child Nutrition (USP)
- Improving Human Nutrition and Metabolism Stanford University
- Extension in women’s health AGE Health education
- Extension in eating behavior University of São Paulo Institute of Psychiatry (IPq-HCUSP)
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
