Myth: Maternal Diet Has No Impact on Child’s Health
Truth: Maternal Nutrition is Crucial
The notion that a pregnant mother’s diet does not affect her unborn child is misleading. A study published in the *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition* reveals a significant connection between a mother’s dietary choices and the health of her child.
Research Findings on Refined Carbohydrates
The study specifically focused on pregnant women with gestational diabetes and their consumption of refined carbohydrates. It discovered that those who consumed a substantial amount—over 4.3 servings per day—were more likely to have children who were 1.8 times as likely to be overweight or obese by the time they reached seven years of age. The researchers assessed the mothers’ dietary habits alongside their infants’ birth weight and height to establish this correlation.
Potential Solutions to Mitigate Risks
To address the risk of childhood obesity linked to high refined carbohydrate intake, researchers suggest that mothers can substitute one serving of refined carbs with whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, or oats. This change could reduce the likelihood of childhood obesity by as much as 10%.
For further insights into how refined carbohydrates can adversely affect a child’s health, read more [here](#).
Reference
Zhu Y, Olsen SF, Mendola P, et al. Maternal dietary intakes of refined grains during pregnancy and growth through the first 7 years of life among children born to women with gestational diabetes. *Am J Clin Nutr*. 2017;106(1):96-104. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.136291