Parental nutrition during pregnancy is pivotal to the development and lifelong health of the infant. While the Mediterranean diet has long been hailed for its health benefits, the role of the diet’s components, especially beef, have not been thoroughly studied. Last month, Christifano et al. published a study examining this in a cohort of over 1,000 pregnant women, who were followed through their pregnancy to assess beef and supplement intake, Mediterranean diet adherence, and maternal and infant birth outcomes.
They found that fresh beef intake alone was not associated with maternal or infant outcomes, however when it was considered in the context of a medium to high-quality Mediterranean diet, the benefits became more pronounced. Notably, women with the highest beef intake had the highest intake of critical micronutrients for pregnancy, as well as a reduced risk for anemia. This study underscores the importance of a diet of nutrient rich foods, like beef, to support the intricate relationship between parental health and fetal development.
Read the article here!
Congratulations to Drs. Danielle Christifano and Susan Carlson, US DOHaD Society members, and their team on their recent publication!
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