Mothers Who Follow Mediterranean Diet During Pregnancy Improve Children’s Development, Study Finds
A recent study conducted by researchers has found that mothers who follow the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy can significantly improve their children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development by the age of two. The study, which was a randomized clinical trial, adds to a growing body of evidence showing the various health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet, which typically consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, has been associated with a reduced risk of several health conditions and overall well-being. Now, researchers have discovered that this particular diet can also positively impact a child’s development.
In addition to following the Mediterranean diet, some mothers in the study also participated in stress-reduction classes during pregnancy. Interestingly, the children of these mothers also scored higher in social and emotional well-being. This suggests that stress during pregnancy may have implications for fetal and neonatal development.
The study focused on high-risk mothers who were identified as carrying a fetus with a high risk of being born small for their gestational age. The participants were divided into three groups: one group followed the Mediterranean diet, another group participated in stress-reduction classes, and a third group received standard prenatal care.
Initial results of the study showed a decrease in low-weight births among women who followed the Mediterranean diet or attended stress-reduction classes. Approximately two years after giving birth, researchers measured the cognitive, social, and emotional development of the children.
The findings revealed that the children whose mothers followed the Mediterranean diet had a 5-point favorable difference on the cognitive test compared to the control group. Both the Mediterranean diet and stress reduction interventions improved social and emotional development, but only the Mediterranean diet intervention had a statistically significant effect.
This improvement in cognitive development suggests that the diet directly impacts the development of the child’s brain. However, further studies are needed to determine the specific benefits of stress reduction during pregnancy.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of following the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy. It not only promotes the well-being of mothers but also plays a crucial role in the cognitive, social, and emotional development of their children. As more research is conducted in this area, it becomes increasingly clear that the Mediterranean diet is a wise choice for expectant mothers.
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