Study Advises Against Western Diet During Pregnancy – Suggests It Increases Autism And ADHD Risk In Infants

We have all grown up hearing about how processed food can harm our bodies—causing obesity, glucose spikes, blood pressure fluctuations, thyroid issues, and more. But have you ever wondered how it can affect someone during pregnancy? Well, continue reading to find out.

The Impact of Diet During Pregnancy

They say, you are what you eat—and this is especially true for a pregnant woman. When you are carrying a baby in your womb, whatever you eat, directly or indirectly, impacts your baby. You are often advised to consume nutrient-rich foods that contribute to your and your little one’s well-being. 

Now, imagine consuming a high-saturated-fat diet, which can pose serious risks to both the mother and the child. A new Research Study from Denmark suggests that Western diet during pregnancy can increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism in children. 

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The Link Between the Western Diet and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Researchers analyzed dietary samples, blood samples, and ADHD diagnosis in 4 different groups that constituted over 60,000 mother-child pairs from the University of Copenhagen and the Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC) at the Danish Paediatric Asthma Centre, Herlev, and Gentofte Hospital. 

Professor Morten Arendt Rasmussen, the senior author from the University of Copenhagen, stated that while comparing across cohorts, strong associations were observed during the first and second trimesters, which implied that brain development is highly sensitive to a mother’s nutritional intake during this period.

The researchers identified as many as 43 metabolites in the blood samples of the mothers that were associated with Western diet and could explain the link between diet and neurodevelopmental disorders.

“We found that 15 of these 43 metabolites were particularly linked to the increased risk of ADHD. Many of these metabolites are derived from dietary intake and play key roles in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress—factors believed to be critical in early neurodevelopment,” shared lead author, Dr David Horner, MD, PhD.

Understanding the Western Diet

The Western diet refers to a dietary pattern commonly followed in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. It consists of highly processed foods, excessive sugar, and refined carbohydrates, including:

• Sugary drinks

• Pasta

• Bread

• Bacon

• Sausages

• Pizza

• Processed cereals

This diet is linked to obesity, digestive issues, heart problems, and even hormone-related cancers, posing a serious threat to both mothers and children.

During pregnancy, following a diet like the Mediterranean diet or traditional diet can do wonders for both the mother and the baby’s health. A nutrient-rich diet not only supports proper brain development but also reduces the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants. Choosing whole, unprocessed foods over highly processed meals can make a significant difference in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Source:

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1075499#:~:text=Key%20Findings%3A,3%20independent%20mother%2Dchild%20cohorts.