Recent research involving two Irish cohorts reports that pregnant women who more closely follow the Planetary Health Diet have higher intakes of several key pregnancy-related nutrients, including folate, calcium, iron, and fiber.
Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, this study is among the first to investigate the Planetary Health Diet during pregnancy. It offers insights for healthcare providers and expectant mothers on aligning diet with health and sustainability, while clarifying that the diet alone does not meet all prenatal nutritional requirements.
What We Know So Far
- A study of 678 pregnant women found greater adherence to the predominantly plant-based Planetary Health Diet, which aims to optimize human health and minimize environmental impact, was associated with higher intakes of folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, and dietary fiber, as reported by Medical Xpress.
- Despite these benefits, the diet did not improve intakes of vitamin D, vitamin B3, and iodine; women following it were less likely to reach high levels of these, according to Nutrition Insight.
- Researchers concluded that while the Planetary Health Diet can meet most nutrient requirements in pregnancy, it does not meet all, and supplementation is still advised.
