Pregnancy diet could improve child’s heart health: Study

Eating enough fibre during pregnancy could have multigenerational health benefits, according to a new Monash University study.
 
Researchers say the findings are only initial, but they did find that a high-fibre diet could ‘significantly reduce’ cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in offspring.
 
‘This research suggests that a simple dietary change during pregnancy could have lifelong benefits for children,’ said lead researcher Professor Francine Marques.
 
‘Expectant mothers are encouraged to discuss their diet with their healthcare providers to ensure they are getting enough fibre to support their own health and the health of their babies.’
 
And while the results are promising for researchers, Dr Ka-Kiu Cheung, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Antenatal and Postnatal Care, said a healthy diet is important but more research is needed.
 
‘Although the study shows the potential benefits of a high-fibre diet and reinforces the importance of a healthy diet, I think it’s much too early to extrapolate this information to pregnant human women,’ she told newsGP.
 
For the research, the team found that a high-fibre diet in pregnant mice led to a healthier gut and gut microbiome in both mothers and their offspring, as well as lower levels of inflammation in the heart of the offspring.
 
It also revealed improved function in offspring exposed to high blood pressure and decreased cardiac fibrosis in the heart of the offspring.
 
Professor Marques explained that these generational changes were seen through fibre promoting the production of beneficial molecules called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut.
 
She added that while the study was conducted on mice, she believes her findings have ‘significant implications’ for human health.
 
‘These SCFAs travel through the mother’s bloodstream and cross the placenta during development, where they can influence gene activity in the heart, leading to healthier heart development,’ Professor Marques said.
 
It comes as CVD is responsible for 24% of all deaths in Australia, with around 120 people dying from the disease each day.
 
Rates are decreasing but it remains one of the most prevalent diseases in the country.
 
At the same time, most Australians are falling well short of the recommended fibre intake, with one study labelling it a ‘nutrient of concern’.
 
Adolescents, girls, young adults, men, and those of lower socioeconomic status are currently least likely to meet the recommendations intake.
 
The research team now hope to conduct further studies to translate these findings into practical recommendations for pregnant women to optimise their children’s heart health.
 
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cardiovascular disease CVD diet pregnancy