Maternal BMI and Diet Quality Modulate Pregnancy Oxidative and Inflammatory Homeostasis
Chiara Mandò1, Chiara Novielli2, Anna Maria Nuzzo3
1Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy.
Nutrients
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and diet quality significantly impact pregnancy oxidative-inflammatory status and outcomes. Personalized nutritional guidance is crucial for healthy pregnancies, especially considering varying dietary adherence across BMI categories.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Maternal nutrition and pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) are key factors influencing pregnancy outcomes.
- This study examines the relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI, dietary patterns, and oxidative/inflammatory markers in Italian pregnant women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interplay between pre-pregnancy BMI, dietary patterns, and oxidative/inflammatory status in normal weight, overweight, and obese pregnant women.
- To assess the association of specific dietary patterns with gestational age, neonatal outcomes, and placental function.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 153 Italian pregnant women across different BMI categories.
- Data collection included clinical, biochemical, placental, and neonatal measurements.
- Dietary intake was assessed using a validated questionnaire, and dietary patterns were identified via principal component analysis.
Main Results:
- Overweight (OW) and obese (OB) women exhibited higher levels of inflammatory (C-reactive protein [CRP], hepcidin) and oxidative stress biomarkers (DNA/RNA damage, catalase activity) compared to normal weight (NW) women.
- Multivariate analyses confirmed independent associations between BMI and these biomarkers.
- A 'prudent-style' dietary pattern correlated with increased gestational age, while a 'Western-like' pattern was linked to reduced maternal ferritin and altered neonatal head circumference. Other patterns showed mixed effects on placental efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Maternal BMI and diet quality significantly influence oxidative-inflammatory balance and perinatal outcomes.
- Individualized nutritional strategies are essential during pregnancy, considering the variability in dietary adherence across different BMI categories.
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