Maternal periconceptional nutrition matters. A scoping review of the current literature.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine how dietary patterns, including fish consumption, influence reproductive health, conception likelihood, and protective effects against congenital anomalies.
Results Summary
The study found that dietary patterns rich in fish, along with vegetables, nuts, and cereals, increase the likelihood of conception and have protective effects against congenital defects, mediated by antioxidant properties.
Population
Women of fertile age, focusing on periconceptional nutrition.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mediterranean Diet | decrease | congenital anomalies | - | - | prevents | #1 |
Mediterranean Diet | decrease | preterm birth | - | - | prevents | #2 |
Mediterranean Diet | decrease | hypertensive disorders | - | - | prevents | #3 |
Mediterranean Diet | decrease | gestational diabetes | - | - | prevents | #4 |
dietary patterns rich in vegetables, nuts, fish, and cereals | increase | conception | - | - | increase the likelihood of | #5 |
dietary patterns rich in vegetables, nuts, fish, and cereals | decrease | orofacial clefts | the progeny | - | have a protective action, mediated by their antioxidant properties, against | #6 |
dietary patterns rich in vegetables, nuts, fish, and cereals | decrease | congenital heart defects | the progeny | - | have a protective action, mediated by their antioxidant properties, against | #7 |
dietary patterns rich in vegetables, nuts, fish, and cereals | decrease | limb defects | the progeny | - | have a protective action, mediated by their antioxidant properties, against | #8 |
western diets, rich in processed foods and low in fruit content | decrease | fertility | - | - | diminish | #9 |
western diets, rich in processed foods and low in fruit content | increase | miscarriage rates | - | - | increase | #10 |
western diets, rich in processed foods and low in fruit content | increase | neural tube defects | - | - | enhance the risk of | #11 |
BACKGROUND: The importance of nutrition in reproductive health is widely acknowledged with special emphasis given to periconceptional maternal diet and its implications on embryo-fetal development, pregnancy complications, and the health of the offspring. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched for literature in PubMed, CINAHL, and WoS to gather newer information on how diet composition influences the concepts from the very early stages of pregnancy and how maternal health may be affected as well. Fifty-six studies published up to June 2020 met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: With its proportioned and diversified macronutrient composition, the Mediterranean Diet prevents congenital anomalies, preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes. Similar dietary patterns rich in vegetables, nuts, fish, and cereals increase the likelihood of conception and have a protective action, mediated by their antioxidant properties, against orofacial clefts, congenital heart and limb defects in the progeny. Conversely, the pro-inflammatory features of western diets, rich in processed foods and low in fruit content, diminish fertility, increase miscarriage rates, and enhance the risk of neural tube defects regardless of folate supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: It may be concluded that within the multiple dietary options, some of them are soundly associated with beneficial effects for the mother and the newborn.Implications for practiceAn appropriate counseling must be offered to the woman of fertile age to make her aware of how periconceptional nutrition may help fulfill her reproductive expectations.