Differential Effects of Maternal Diets on Birth Outcomes and Metabolic Parameters in Rats After Ethanol Consumption during Pregnancy

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Yidi Wang ◽  
Bradley A. Feltham ◽  
Michael N. A. Eskin ◽  
Miyoung Suh
Keyword(s):  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Maternal Diet ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Metabolic Parameters ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Metabolic Outcomes

Abstract Maternal nutrition status plays an important role in the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), but its direct evidence is lacking. This study compared a standard chow with a semi-purified energy dense (E-dense) diet on birth and metabolic outcomes in rats after ethanol (EtOH) consumption during pregnancy. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: chow (n=6), chow+EtOH (20% v/v) (n=7), E-dense (n=6), and E-dense+EtOH (n=8). Birth outcomes including litter size, body and organ weights were collected. Metabolic parameters were measured in dams and pups at postnatal day (PD) 7. Maternal EtOH consumption decreased body weights (p <0.0001) and litter sizes (p <0.05) in chow-fed dams. At PD7, pups born to dams fed E-dense diet had higher body (p <0.002) and liver weights (p <0.0001). These pups also had higher plasma total cholesterol (p <0.0001), triacyclglycerol (p <0.003) and alanine aminotransferase (p <0.03) compared to those from chow-fed dams. Dams fed E-dense diet had higher plasma total- (p <0.0001) and HDL-cholesterol (p <0.0001) and lower glucose (p <0.0001). EtOH increased total cholesterol (p <0.03) and glucose (p <0.05) only in dams fed the E-dense diet. Maternal exposure to E-dense diet attenuated prenatal EtOH-induced weight loss and produced different metabolic outcomes in both dams and pups. While the long-lasting effects of these outcomes are unknown, this study highlights the importance of maternal diet quality for maternal health and infant growth, and suggests that maternal nutrition intervention may be a potential target for alleviating FASD.

scholarly journals Variability of glucose, insulin, and lipid disturbances in first-episode psychosis: a meta-analysis

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Toby Pillinger ◽  
Robert A. McCutcheon ◽  
Oliver D. Howes
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Metabolic Parameters ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Fasting Insulin ◽  
Metabolic Outcomes ◽  
Episode Psychosis

Abstract Background First-episode psychosis (FEP) is associated with metabolic alterations. However, it is not known if there is heterogeneity in these alterations beyond what might be expected due to normal individual differences, indicative of subgroups of patients at greater vulnerability to metabolic dysregulation. Methods We employed meta-analysis of variance, indexed using the coefficient of variation ratio (CVR), to compare variability of the following metabolic parameters in antipsychotic naïve FEP and controls: fasting glucose, glucose post-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting insulin, insulin resistance, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and triglycerides. Standardised mean difference in metabolic parameters between groups was also calculated; meta-regression analyses examined physiological/demographic/psychopathological moderators of metabolic change. Results Twenty-eight studies were analysed (1716 patients, 1893 controls). Variability of fasting glucose [CVR = 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–1.55; p = 0.001], glucose post-OGTT (CVR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.10–1.87; p = 0.008), fasting insulin (CVR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.09–1.58; p = 0.01), insulin resistance (CVR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.12–1.60; p = 0.001), HbA1c (CVR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.06–1.27; p < 0.0001), total-cholesterol (CVR = 1.15; 95% CI 1.01–1.31; p = 0.03), LDL-cholesterol (CVR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.09–1.50; p = 0.002), and HDL-cholesterol (CVR = 1.15; 95% CI 1.00–1.31; p < 0.05), but not triglycerides, was greater in patients than controls. Mean glucose, glucose post-OGTT, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, and triglycerides were greater in patients; mean total-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were reduced in patients. Increased symptom severity and female sex were associated with worse metabolic outcomes. Conclusions Patients with FEP present with greater variability in metabolic parameters relative to controls, consistent with a subgroup of patients with more severe metabolic changes compared to others. Understanding determinants of metabolic variability could help identify patients at-risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Female sex and severe psychopathology are associated with poorer metabolic outcomes, with implications for metabolic monitoring in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Human Capital and Wage Income Gains of Scaling-Up Maternal Prenatal Nutrition Interventions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 887-887
Author(s):  
Nandita Perumal ◽  
Mia Blakstad ◽  
Goodarz Danaei ◽  
Gunther Fink ◽  
Mark Lambiris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Low Birthweight ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Nutrition Interventions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Prenatal Nutrition ◽  
Middle Income Countries

Abstract Objectives Scaling-up nutrition interventions during pregnancy may provide human capital gains by lowering the risk of adverse birth outcomes associated with reduced long-term socioeconomic outcomes. We estimated gains in years of schooling and lifetime wages of scaling up prenatal maternal nutrition interventions for a 137 low- and middle-income countries. Methods Through a comprehensive review of the literature, we identified four prenatal maternal nutrition interventions with convincing-level of evidence for improving birth outcomes: prenatal multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), calcium supplements, iron-folic acid supplements (IFA), and balanced protein energy supplements (BEP) among underweight pregnant women (BMI &lt; 18.5 kg/m2). Effect sizes for intervention impact were derived from systematic reviews and random-effects meta-analysis. We focused on low birthweight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) as primary birth outcomes. We used the 2015 LBW and PTB prevalence estimates to calculate country-specific absolute reductions attributable to scaling-up a given prenatal nutrition invention. We then used an effect size based on a de novo review of the economics literature to quantify gains in schooling and lifetime wages due to reductions in LBW/PTB under two hypothetical scale-up scenarios of 50% and 90% coverage. Results For each country, returns on schooling and lifetime wages were estimated for scaling-up each prenatal nutrition intervention. For example, in Bangladesh, scaling-up IFA supplements from current coverage of 26% to 90% was estimated to reduce LBW prevalence by 3.2% contributing to a predicted increase of 0.11 million school years and US$153 million in wages per birth cohort. Similarly, scaling-up MMS, calcium supplements, and BEP to 90% coverage was predicted to increase schooling by 0.25, 0.17, and 0.07 million years, and wages by US$338, US$223, and US$97 million, respectively, per birth cohort. Global, regional, and national-level estimates for schooling and wage gains for each nutrition intervention will be presented. Conclusions Our findings indicate that scaling-up prenatal maternal nutrition interventions will contribute to substantial population-level increases in human capital, particularly in countries with a high burden of low birthweight or preterm birth. Funding Sources Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

scholarly journals A comparative study of efficacy of argyreia speciosa and orlistat for their anti-obesity action in high fat diet induced obese rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhas H. Patil ◽  
Satkar Rajbhoj ◽  
Seema V. Bhalerao ◽  
Puja Jha ◽  
Manasi V. Limaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Atherogenic Index ◽  
Root Extract ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Serum Lipase ◽  
Sprague Dawley Rats ◽  
Animal House ◽  
Post Hoc

Background: To compare the anti-obesity action of Argyreia speciosa root extract with standard anti-obesity drug orlistat. Healthy Sprague-Dawley rats (100-200g, n=50) were obtained from the animal house. Dose of Orlistat was 32.4mg/kg/day and Dose of Argyreia speciosa root was 500mg/kg/day.Methods: Food induced obesity model was used. Following parameters were evaluated: Total Cholesterol (mg/dl), Triglyceride (mg/dl), HDL-cholesterol (mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (mg/dl), atherogenic index, serum lipase (U/L). Analysis was done by one way ANOVA followed by post-hoc test and Graph Pad Prism version 5.00 was used for the analysis.Results: Total cholesterol, triglcerides, LDL cholesterol and Atherogenic index was significantly lesser in the rats fed with CD+O group and CD+ASE group than in the animals from CD group (p<0.05). It was also significantly lesser in the rats fed with CD+O+ASE than in the animals from CD group (p<0.05). HDL cholesterol was significantly greater in the rats fed with CD+O group and CD+ASE group than in the animals from CD group (p<0.05). It was also significantly greater in the rats fed with CD+O+ASE than in the animals from CD group (p<0.05).Conclusions: ASE significantly reduces total cholesterol (mg/dl), triglyceride (mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (mg/dl) and atherogenic index, it significantly increases HDL- cholesterol (mg/dl) and it is comparable to orlistat. Thus the anti-obesity action of ASE is comparable to orlistat.

scholarly journals Pengaruh propolis terhadap profil lipid plasma tikus model hiperkolesterolemia

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Krisnansari Diah ◽  
Ariadne Tiara Hapsari ◽  
Evy Sulistyoningrum ◽  
Agus Prastowo
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Plasma Cholesterol ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
High Cholesterol ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Group I ◽  
Before And After

Background: Nowadays, cardiovascular disease caused by hypercholesterolemia has become the main cause of death. Propolis has been used widely to reduce plasma cholesterol levels.Objective: The aims of this research was to study the effect of propolis on lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic Sprague Dawley rats.Method: This was an experimental study with pre-post test. Twenty four (24) male Sprague Dawley rats aged 12-16 week old, weighing 125-200 g were allocated into 4 groups. Group I received standard meal + aquadest-gavage; group II received high cholesterol meal + PTU 0,01 + aquadest gavage; group III received high cholesterol meal + PTU 0,01 + 0,027 g propolis gavage; group IV received high cholesterol meal + PTU 0,01 + 0,054 g propolis gavage. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels before and after treatment were measured. The data were then analyzed with One Way Anova.Results: The study showed that there were no significant differences in changes of body weight. There were significant differences in total cholesterol levels between all groups of treatment. Triglyceride levels were significantly different among all groups, except between group I and IV. Furthermore, the HDL cholesterol levels of group I vs III and group I vs IV were significantly different. However, there were no differences found in LDL cholesterol levels among all groups of treatment.Conclusion: Provision of 0,027 g and 0,054 g propolis improve lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels) of hypercholesterolemic rats.

scholarly journals Craniopharyngioma, Chronotypes and Metabolic Risk Profile

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3444
Author(s):  
Carolina Di Somma ◽  
Elisabetta Scarano ◽  
Luigi Barrea ◽  
Domenico Solari ◽  
Enrico Riccio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Plasma Glucose ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Risk Profile ◽  
Metabolic Parameters ◽  
Metabolic Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Aim: To investigate the potential association among Craniopharyngioma (CP), chronotypes and metabolic risk profile. Subjects and Methods: The study population included 28 patients (46.4% males; 42.6 ± 15.8 years) and 28 controls, age, gender and BMI matched (46.4% males; 46.5 ± 12.9 years). In this study sample, we evaluated: anthropometric measurements (waist circumference, WC; BMI), plasma glucose, lipid profile, and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. Morningness-Eveningness was measured with the Horne-Ostberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), which included 19 questions about preferred sleep time and daily performance. Results: in both patients and controls grade I obesity was detected in 15 subjects (53.6%), grade II obesity in 13 subjects (46.4%). In the patient group, the mean score of chronotype was 47.8 ± 12.6. In particular, 9 patients (32.1%) exhibited the morning chronotype, 6 (21.4%) the intermediate chronotype and 13 (46.4.%) the evening chronotype. No significant difference was found in gender and age among the chronotype categories. Patients with the evening chronotype had higher blood pressure values and worse metabolic parameters than those with the morning chronotype. In the control group, the mean score of the chronotype was 57.6 ± 9.5. In particular, 16 (57.1%) subjects exhibited the morning chronotype, 10 (35.7%) the intermediate chronotype and only 2 (7.1.%) the evening chronotype. The prevalence of intermediate and evening chronotypes was higher in females than males (p = 0.021), while males have a higher prevalence of the morning chronotype. Subjects with intermediate and evening chronotypes had worse metabolic parameters than those with the morning chronotype. In patients, the chronotype score was inversely correlated to WC, BMI, SBP, DBP, plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and positively correlated with HDL cholesterol. No correlation was found between age and chronotype. In controls, the chronotype score was inversely correlated to WC, BMI, plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol. No correlation was found among chronotype and age, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol. Considering the whole population of the study (patients and controls), at logistic regression the chronotype score was significantly associated with the presence of CP. Conclusions: for the first time thus far, our study puts the light on the association of the CP with chronotypes and metabolic alterations in this disease, which are the main determinants of the reduced quality of life, higher morbidity and mortality in this setting of patients. This finding suggests that alterations of chronotype might represent an adjunctive risk for CP patients and a possible target for their integrate management.

scholarly journals Maternal nutritional adequacy and gestational weight gain and their associations with birth outcomes among Vietnamese women

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nga Thuy Tran ◽  
Lam Thi Nguyen ◽  
Yatin Berde ◽  
Yen Ling Low ◽  
Siew Ling Tey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Gestational Weight Gain ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gestational Weight ◽  
Vietnamese Women

Abstract Background During pregnancy, a mother’s nutritional needs increase to meet the added nutrient demands for fetal growth and development. An enhanced understanding of adequate nutrition and sufficient weight gain during pregnancy can guide development of policies and strategies for maternal nutrition care, actions that will ultimately promote better pregnancy outcomes. In a sample of pregnant women in Vietnam, this study characterized maternal nutrition status and gestational weight gain at a mid-pregnancy baseline, then examined the association of these variables with specific birth outcomes. Methods The study used baseline data from a randomized, controlled trial that compared pregnant Vietnamese women who received a nutritional intervention group with those who received only standard dietary counseling (control group). At baseline (26–29 weeks gestation), mothers’ dietary reports were collected, and intake of 10 macro- and micronutrients was estimated; data for baseline gestational weight gain was collected for all pregnant women enrolled into the study (n = 228). This analysis also used weights, lengths, and head circumferences at birth for infants of mothers in the control group. Results At baseline, 95% of the pregnant women had concurrent inadequacies for more than five nutrients, and nearly half had concurrent inadequacies for more than ten nutrients. Almost two-thirds of the pregnant women did not meet recommendations for gestational weight gain. We found a significant, inverse association between the number of nutrient inadequacies and gestational weight gain (overall p ≤ 0.045). After adjusting for potential confounders, gestational weight gain was positively associated with birth weight, length at birth, birth weight-for-age z-score and length-for-age z-score (all p ≤ 0.006). Conclusions Our findings raise concern over the high proportion of pregnant women in Vietnam who have multiple concurrent nutrient inadequacies and who fall short of meeting recommended gestational weight gain standards. To ensure better birth outcomes in this population, policies and strategies to improve the status of maternal nutrition are greatly needed. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov on December 20, 2013, registration identifier: NCT02016586.

Podocyte endowment and the impact of adult body size on kidney health

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luise Anne Cullen-McEwen ◽  
James van der Wolde ◽  
Kotaro Haruhara ◽  
Leon Tribolet ◽  
John Dowling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Maternal Diet ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Sprague Dawley Rats ◽  
Podocyte Loss ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fat Feeding

Low birth weight is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), while adult podocyte depletion is a key event in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis. However, whether low birth weight due to poor maternal nutrition is associated with low podocyte endowment and glomerulosclerosis in later life is not known. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal (NPD, 20%) or low (LPD, 8%) protein diet from 3 weeks before mating until postnatal day 21 (PN21), when kidneys from some male offspring were taken for quantitation of podocyte number and density in whole glomeruli using immunolabeling, tissue clearing and confocal microscopy. Remaining offspring were fed a normal or high fat diet until 6 months to induce catch-up growth and excessive weight gain, respectively. At PN21, podocyte number per glomerulus was 15% lower in low birth weight (LPD) than normal birthweight (NPD) offspring, with this deficit greater in outer glomeruli. Surprisingly, podocyte number in LPD offspring increased in outer glomeruli between PN21 and 6 months, although an overall 9% podocyte deficit persisted. Postnatal fat feeding to LPD offspring did not alter podometric indices or result in glomerular pathology at 6 months, whereas fat feeding in NPD offspring was associated with far greater body and fat mass as well as podocyte loss, reduced podocyte density, albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis. This is the first report that maternal diet can influence podocyte endowment. Our findings provide new insights into the impact of low birth weight, podocyte endowment and postnatal weight on podometrics and renal health in adulthood.

Stentul JJ ureteral - care este optiunea mai buna? New Considerations Regarding Chronic Kidney Disease, Cardiovascular Disease and Dyslipidemia in Diabetic Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 2064-2066
Author(s):  
Mircea Munteanu ◽  
Adrian Apostol ◽  
Viviana Ivan
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Total Cholesterol Level ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Artery Disease

The aim of the present study is to investigate the prevalance of chronic kidney disease (CKD), of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We conducted a prospective, controlled study involving 420 diabetic patients (120 T1DM, 300 T2DM) and investigate the following aspects: the presence of vascular complications (stroke, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease), lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides), kidney function (glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria), blood pressure, HbA1C. The results that in diabetic patients with CKD there is an increased prevalence of CVD and of dislipidemia. Also we noticed a negative correlation between total cholesterol level and decease in eGFR in all patients, with or without CKD.

Effects of diacerein intake on cardiometabolic profiles in type 2 diabetics: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peyman Nowrouzi-Sohrabi ◽  
Reza Tabrizi ◽  
Mohammad Jalali ◽  
Navid Jamali ◽  
Shahla Rezaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Statistical Heterogeneity

Introduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was undertaken to evaluate the effect of diacerein intake on cardiometabolic profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Electronic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to 31 July 2019. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and I-square (I2 ) statistic. Data were pooled using random-effect models and weighted mean difference (WMD). Results: From 1,733 citations, seven clinical trials were eligible for inclusion and meta-analysis. A significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD -0.73; 95%CI -1.25 to -0.21; P= 0.006; I2 = 72.2%) and body mass index (BMI) (WMD -0.55; 95%CI -1.03 to -0.07; P= 0.026; I2 = 9.5%) were identified. However, no significant effect of diacerein intake was identified on fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD - 9.00; 95%CI -22.57 to 4.57; P= 0.194; I2 = 60.5%), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD 0.39; 95%CI 0.95 to 1.73; P= 0.569; I2 = 2.2%), body weight (WMD -0.54; 95%CI -1.10 to 0.02; P= 0.059), triglycerides (WMD -0.56; 95%CI -24.16 to 23.03; P= 0.963; I2 = 0.0%), total-cholesterol (WMD -0.21; 95%CI -12.19 to 11.78; P= 0.973; I2 = 0.0%), HDL-cholesterol (WMD -0.96; 95%CI -2.85 to 0.93; P= 0.321; I2 = 0.0%), and LDL-cholesterol levels (WMD -0.09; 95%CI -8.43 to 8.25; P= 0.983; I2 = 37.8%). Conclusion: Diacerein intake may reduce HbA1c and BMI; however, no evidence of effect was observed for FBS, HOMA-IR, body weight, triglycerides, total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol.

Lifestyle, Maternal Nutrition and Healthy Pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-140
Author(s):  
Alfonso Mate ◽  
Claudia Reyes-Goya ◽  
Álvaro Santana-Garrido ◽  
Carmen M. Vázquez
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Maternal Diet ◽  
Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Large For Gestational Age ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
Healthy Pregnancy

: Healthy lifestyle habits spanning from preconception to postpartum are considered as a major safeguard for achieving successful pregnancies and for the prevention of gestational diseases. Among preconception priorities established by the World Health Organization (WHO) are healthy diet and nutrition, weight management, physical activity, planned pregnancy and physical, mental and psychosocial health. Most studies covering the topic of healthy pregnancies focus on maternal diet because obesity increases the risks for adverse perinatal outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus, large for gestational age newborns, or preeclampsia. Thus, foods rich in vegetables, essential and polyunsaturated fats and fibre-rich carbohydrates should be promoted especially in overweight, obese or diabetic women. An adequate intake of micronutrients (e.g. iron, calcium, folate, vitamin D and carotenoids) is also crucial to support pregnancy and breastfeeding. Moderate physical activity throughout pregnancy improves muscle tone and function, besides decreasing the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabesity (i.e. diabetes associated with obesity) and postpartum overweight. Intervention studies claim that an average of 30 min of exercise/day contributes to long-term benefits for maternal overall health and wellbeing. Other factors such as microbiome modulation, behavioural strategies (e.g. smoking cessation, anxiety/stress reduction and sleep quality), maternal genetics and age, social class and education might also influence the maternal quality of life. These factors contribute to ensure a healthy pregnancy, or at least to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes during pregnancy and later in life.

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