Researchers have found that diet can play an important role in significantly reducing the risk of miscarriage.
The review, led by researchers at the University of Birmingham and funded by the abortion charity Tommy, analyzed about 20 studies involving more than 60,000 women that examined the relationship between childbirth and eating habits in the months before and after pregnancy.
Researchers have found evidence that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, seafood, dairy, eggs, and whole grains reduces the risk of miscarriage.
The review found that compared to a low intake, eating only fruits in high amounts could result in a 61% lower chance of miscarriage. And those who ate the most vegetables had a 41% lower risk of miscarriage than those who ate the least.
For dairy products, there is a decrease of 37%, for cereals – by 33%, for seafood and eggs – by 19%.
A diet high in “ultra-processed foods” such as certain types of bread, cakes, sausages, and prepared meals doubled the risk of miscarriage.
Data were collected before and during the first trimester of pregnancy from almost 64,000 healthy women.
Dr Elin Chang, educated in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Birmingham, said: “Miscarriages are common and it is estimated that one in six pregnancies ends in miscarriage and there are many known causes, from problems with the baby’s chromosomes to infections. However, nearly 50% of early pregnancy losses remain unexplained, and in the absence of a cause, parents often turn to their healthcare providers for advice on how best to stay healthy and reduce the risk of future miscarriages.
Evidence suggests that lifestyle changes, including dietary changes and avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, before conception and in the first weeks of pregnancy reduce the risk of miscarriage.
The researchers examined whether predetermined dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet or the fertility diet, could also be associated with the risk of miscarriage. They were unable to find evidence that following any of these diets reduced or increased risk.
However, eating a nutritious diet that includes generally healthy or antioxidant-rich foods and foods low in inflammatory foods or unhealthy food groups may be associated with a reduced risk of miscarriage in women.
The team concluded that eating healthy, taking supplements such as vitamin D and folic acid, exercising, and trying to reduce stress can help reduce the risk of miscarriage, but there is no clear evidence for a link between diet choices and miscarriage.
Given this lack of evidence, there are no evidence-based dietary guidelines for women, newborns, or their partners—something that this review shows can have a real impact on risk reduction for people.
Source: Mirror
