Maternal Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Lower Levels of Cardiometabolic Markers during Pregnancy

Citation

Martin, Chantel L.; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Sotres-Alvarez, Daniela T.; Robinson, Whitney R.; Daniels, Julie L.; Perrin, Eliana M.; & Stuebe, Alison M. (2016). Maternal Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Lower Levels of Cardiometabolic Markers during Pregnancy. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 30(3), 246-255. PMCID: PMC4818661

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of cardiometabolic markers are characteristic of normal pregnancy, however, insulin resistance and increased glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels can adversely influence maternal and child health. Diet is a modifiable behaviour that could have significant impact on maternal cardiometabolic levels during pregnancy. We investigated the association between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic markers (glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides, and cholesterol) during pregnancy.
METHODS: Data from the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition prospective cohort study (2000-05) was used (n = 513). Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were derived using latent class analysis (LCA) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Linear regression was used to examine the dietary patterns-cardiometabolic markers association during pregnancy.
RESULTS: Three dietary patterns evolved from the LCA characterised by high intakes of: (1) hamburgers, hot dogs, bacon, French fries, fried chicken, white bread, and soft drinks; (2) some vegetables, fruit juice, refined grains, mixed dishes, processed meat, and empty calorie foods; and (3) fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, breakfast bars, and water. After adjustment for potential confounders including prepregnancy body mass index, a diet consistent with Latent Class 3 was negatively associated with maternal insulin (muU/mL: beta = -0.12; 95% CI -0.23, -0.01) and HOMA-IR (beta = -0.13; 95% CI -0.25, -0.00). Additionally, DASH scores within Tertile 3 (higher dietary quality) were also negatively associated with maternal triglycerides (mg/dL).
CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest an association between maternal dietary patterns and several cardiometabolic markers during pregnancy.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ppe.12279

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2016

Journal Title

Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology

Author(s)

Martin, Chantel L.
Siega-Riz, Anna Maria
Sotres-Alvarez, Daniela T.
Robinson, Whitney R.
Daniels, Julie L.
Perrin, Eliana M.
Stuebe, Alison M.

PMCID

PMC4818661

ORCiD

Robinson, W - 0000-0003-4009-0488