Understanding how maternal diet influences mother and infant physiology is crucial, as its effects extend to short- and long-term outcomes for both.
A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fiber, plant-based proteins, and healthy fats, offers significant benefits for both mothers and babies during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Beyond supporting maternal intestinal function and mucosal immunity, this diet helps prevent fat accumulation and optimize gut microbiota composition. For infants, it reduces the incidence and severity of infections, highlighting its dual impact on maternal recovery and child health.
These findings come from two studies published in eBioMedicine, supported by La Marató de TV3 (2017). The research was jointly led by Francisco José Pérez-Cano (Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona; director, INSA-UB) and M. Carmen Collado (Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, IATA-CSIC). The first author was Karla Rio Aige (INSA-UB), using data from the MAMI (Maternal Microbiome) cohort. Researchers also created a preclinical model with animals to better understand the underlying mechanisms.
Nutrition and Mother–Child Health
A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are essential during pregnancy and lactation for the health and well-being of mother and baby. Yet, the mechanisms linking maternal diet with long-term health outcomes remain insufficiently understood.
As María José Rodríguez Lagunas (UB Department of Biochemistry and Physiology) explains:
“Understanding how maternal diet influences mother and infant physiology is crucial, as its effects extend to short- and long-term outcomes for both. But there is still a lack of research on the mechanisms, particularly those that could improve the mother’s physiological recovery after childbirth.”
Maternal Diet and Infant Immunity
The second study highlighted that a maternal diet rich in plant protein, fiber, and polyunsaturated fatty acids can reduce the severity and frequency of infant infections by modulating the gut microbiota and strengthening the immune system.
Effect of Maternal Diet on the Health of Newborn
The study, conducted on infants and animal models, analyses the effect of maternal diet on the health of offspring and reinforces the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation to strengthen infant health.
Protective role of breast milk: Elements such as immunoglobulin A (IgA) in human milk and a diverse microbiota contribute to shielding infants from infections.
Synergy of expertise: The collaboration between INSA-UB and IATA-CSIC — institutions awarded the María de Maeztu and Severo Ochoa seals of excellence — was key to achieving these insights.
Towards Smarter Nutritional Guidelines
These studies provide new insights that may lead to more precise dietary guidelines for pregnant and breastfeeding women. On the one hand, they would help to strengthen the health of mothers and support their physiological recovery, and on the other hand, they would protect infant development in the early stages of life by reducing the risk of infections, thus supporting the wellbeing of babies.
In short, maternal nutrition is not only a cornerstone of healthy pregnancy but also a powerful tool for shaping infant health and resilience.
Source: News Medical
