Eating processed foods in pregnancy linked to risk for preeclampsia
Maternal Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods-Rich Diet and Perinatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Lay Summary: A healthy diet during pregnancy is important for supporting fetal development and growth. Several studies have found a link between a diet of ultra-processed foods and poor health in non-pregnant patients. (Foods like hamburgers, French fries, cakes, ice cream, pizza, sausages, and soft drinks.) Researchers wanted to know if the same thing was true for pregnant patients. So, they combined data from 61 different studies (known as a meta-analysis). This allowed them to look at the pregnancies of around 700,000 individuals. They found that pregnant women eating an ultra-processed foods diet were 28% more likely to develop preeclampsia than patients who did not. These same women were 48% more likely to develop gestational diabetes as well.
Take home message: While there are many reasons a patient may develop complications like preeclampsia, what someone eats in pregnancy can affect risk for pregnancy outcomes. This study suggests that eating ultra-processed foods can increase risk for preeclampsia. More research is needed to better understand this association. Women should focus on a heart-healthy diet of lean, unprocessed meats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains before, during, and after pregnancy.
Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/15/3242
Citation: Paula WO, Patriota ESO, Gonçalves VSS, Pizato N. Maternal Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods-Rich Diet and Perinatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 8;14(15):3242. doi: 10.3390/nu14153242. PMID: 35956418; PMCID: PMC9370797.
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