The research on fertility and pregnancy nutrition can be overwhelming. There are so many nutrients to focus on, superfoods to try to include, and macronutrients to balance. However, a new study has brought together some simple advice based on offspring neurological development: consume high amounts of fruits and vegetables before and during pregnancy!
The Japanese study looked at the association between maternal consumption of fruit and vegetables before and during pregnancy, and developmental delays in their offspring at two years of age. Researchers followed over 20,000 women and infants over a four-year period using food frequency questionnaires, plus offspring questionnaires to assess developmental delays.
Among the study’s findings: women in the highest quartile of vegetable consumption from pre-pregnancy to mid-pregnancy had lower odds of offspring developmental delays than women in the lowest quartile, and women in the highest quartile of fruit consumption from early to mid-pregnancy had lower odds of offspring developmental delays than women in the lowest quartile.
With my own patients, as well as in my online programs, I recommend focusing on anti-oxidant rich berries, dark leafy green vegetables, and “every colour of the rainbow” daily during fertility and pregnancy. I also stress choosing organic when ever possible using EWG’s dirty dozen guide to guide produce-purchasing decisions.
I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information for your fertility or pregnancy journey, visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com for free webinars and complete programs.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your fertility or pregnancy patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com, or visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com/ce-courses-for-naturopathic-doctors.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
Disclaimer: The information and content provided is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Please consult the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for full details.
References:
Yonezawa, Y. et al. (2021). Fruit and vegetable consumption before and during pregnancy and developmental delays in offspring aged 2 years in Japan. British Journal of Nutrition.