How a pregnant woman's diet affects milk composition and infant health

Anew study from the University of Barcelona has found that a Mediterranean diet rich in fibre, vegetable protein and healthy fats has a beneficial effect on maternal health during pregnancy and lactation and reduces the risk of infections in infants.

The scientists analysed data from the MAMI (Maternal Microbiome) cohort and conducted an animal experiment to understand exactly how diet affects immunity, gut microbiota and lipid metabolism. The research was led by Professor Francisco José Pérez-Cano from the Institute for Nutrition Research and Food Security (INSA-UB) and expert Maria Carmen Collado from the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC).

The first study compared two diets: the Mediterranean diet (rich in fish, soya protein and inulin) and the Western diet (high in animal fat and protein). The results showed that the Mediterranean diet:

• Improves lipid metabolism;

• Strengthens the immune system;

• Maintains the balance of the gut microbiota;

• Reduces body fat accumulation after childbirth;

• Helps restore physiological functions after pregnancy.

The second part of the study demonstrated: if the mother follows a diet high in vegetable protein, fibre and polyunsaturated fatty acids, it reduces the frequency and severity of infections in children. This effect is due to the fact that the mother's diet influences the composition of breast milk and the formation of the microbiota in the infant.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in milk and the diversity of microflora play a special role in protection - these components activate the child's immune system and reduce its vulnerability to infections.

According to the researchers, these data can become the basis for more accurate dietary recommendations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Such a diet can not only improve a woman's health and speed up her recovery after childbirth, but also protect the child during a critical period of early development.