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Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
03:19

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes

Published on: June 28, 2024

884

Impact of maternal diet on neonatal anthropometry: a randomized controlled trial

J M Donnelly1, J M Walsh, J Byrne

  • 1UCD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine and Medical Science, Dublin, Ireland.

Pediatric Obesity
|January 21, 2014
PubMed

Insights

A maternal low glycaemic index (GI) diet in pregnancy may positively impact infant adiposity. This dietary approach was found to reduce neonatal thigh circumference, suggesting it is safe and beneficial.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Large for gestational age infants face increased risks of childhood obesity.
  • Maternal nutrition significantly influences birthweight and neonatal development.
  • Understanding the impact of specific maternal diets on neonatal anthropometry is crucial for long-term infant health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of a maternal low glycaemic index (GI) diet on neonatal anthropometric measurements.
  • To determine if a low GI diet during pregnancy influences infant body composition.
  • To assess the safety and potential benefits of a low GI diet in pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial (ROLO study) involving 265 neonates.
  • Participants were assigned to either a low GI diet or a usual diet group from early pregnancy.
  • Neonatal anthropometry, including circumferences and skin-fold measurements, was assessed on days 1-2 of life.

Main Results:

  • Neonates born to mothers on a low GI diet exhibited a significantly lower thigh circumference (P=0.04).
  • No significant differences were observed in head, chest, abdominal, or mid-upper arm circumferences between groups.
  • Maternal low GI diet did not affect any measured skin-fold thicknesses in neonates.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal low glycaemic index diet during pregnancy alters neonatal thigh circumference.
  • These findings indicate that a low GI diet is safe for use in pregnancy.
  • This dietary intervention shows potential for positively impacting infant adiposity.
Abstract

Keywords:
Low GI Dietmaternalneonatalpaediatric

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