Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study

Elevated oxidative stress status has been reported among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In diabetic condition, glucose and lipid peroxidation, and alteration in antioxidant defense lead to increased free radicals. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and GDM.

This hospital-based case-control study was conducted in 463 pregnant women (healthy, n = 263; GDM, n = 200). Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and biochemical analyses were measured. Dietary intake was assessed by the average of three 24-hour dietary intake records. DTAC was calculated by three indices: ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between DTAC and GDM risk in crude and adjusted models.

The mean age and BMI were 28.33 ± 6.23 years and 29.67 ± 4.73 kg/m², respectively. Total energy, protein, and selenium intakes were significantly higher in cases than controls (P < 0.05). Moreover, intakes of carbohydrate, vitamins C, B6, and A, manganese, fruits, fruit juices, vegetables, legumes, and FRAP were significantly lower in cases than controls (P < 0.05). The risk of gestational diabetes mellitus was 85% lower among those in the highest tertile of FRAP (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.08-0.29). There was no significant association between the risk of GDM and TRAP (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 0.94-2.79) as well as TEAC (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 0.89-2.72).

Pregnant women who were in the highest tertile of FRAP were at lower risk of GDM. However, larger prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.