-
1.
Effects of a Mediterranean Diet Intervention on Maternal Stress, Well-Being, and Sleep Quality throughout Gestation-The IMPACT-BCN Trial.
Casas, I, Nakaki, A, Pascal, R, Castro-Barquero, S, Youssef, L, Genero, M, Benitez, L, Larroya, M, Boutet, ML, Casu, G, et al
Nutrients. 2023;15(10)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Stress and anxiety are frequent occurrences among pregnant women. Mental disorders can appear before pregnancy, with a changing course during pregnancy and postpartum. During pregnancy, evidence has been provided regarding the potential beneficial effects that structured dietary interventions based on a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) can have, not only on pregnant women, but also their offspring and the pregnancy itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a structured intervention during pregnancy based on a MedDiet on maternal stress and anxiety, mindful state, quality of life and sleep. This study is a parallel, unblinded randomised clinical trial. Participants - pregnant women at high risk for small-for-gestational-age newborns - were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to one of the three study groups: a MedDiet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and walnuts; a stress reduction intervention based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme; or usual care without any intervention (control group). Results show that an intervention based on MedDiet during pregnancy: - significantly improved well-being and sleep quality. - is associated with a reduction in maternal anxiety/stress, together with an increase in the cortisol-deactivating enzyme. Authors conclude that a MedDiet intervention significantly reduces maternal anxiety and stress, as well as improving well-being and sleep quality during gestation.
Abstract
Stress and anxiety are frequent occurrences among pregnant women. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a Mediterranean diet intervention during pregnancy on maternal stress, well-being, and sleep quality throughout gestation. In a randomized clinical trial, 1221 high-risk pregnant women were randomly allocated into three groups at 19-23 weeks' gestation: a Mediterranean diet intervention, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program, or usual care. All women who provided self-reported life-style questionnaires to measure their anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)), well-being (WHO Five Well Being Index (WHO-5)), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)) at enrollment and at the end of the intervention (34-36 weeks) were included. In a random subgroup of 106 women, the levels of cortisol and related metabolites were also measured. At the end of the intervention (34-36 weeks), participants in the Mediterranean diet group had significantly lower perceived stress and anxiety scores (PSS mean (SE) 15.9 (0.4) vs. 17.0 (0.4), p = 0.035; STAI-anxiety mean (SE) 13.6 (0.4) vs. 15.8 (0.5), p = 0.004) and better sleep quality (PSQI mean 7.0 ± 0.2 SE vs. 7.9 ± 0.2 SE, p = 0.001) compared to usual care. As compared to usual care, women in the Mediterranean diet group also had a more significant increase in their 24 h urinary cortisone/cortisol ratio during gestation (mean 1.7 ± SE 0.1 vs. 1.3 ± SE 0.1, p < 0.001). A Mediterranean diet intervention during pregnancy is associated with a significant reduction in maternal anxiety and stress, and improvements in sleep quality throughout gestation.
-
2.
Effectiveness of a minimally processed food-based nutritional counselling intervention on weight gain in overweight pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial.
Sartorelli, DS, Crivellenti, LC, Baroni, NF, de Andrade Miranda, DEG, da Silva Santos, I, Carvalho, MR, de Lima, MC, Carreira, NP, Chaves, AVL, Manochio-Pina, MG, et al
European journal of nutrition. 2023;62(1):443-454
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Excessive gestational weight gain exposes the woman and the child to a higher risk of harmful health outcomes in the short and long term. Dietary patterns based on the substitution of meals made with unprocessed or minimally processed foods for the consumption of ultra-processed items can be partly blamed for the exponential global growth in the incidence of obesity. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention based on encouraging the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods rather than ultra-processed products. This study is a two-armed parallel randomised controlled trial conducted among overweight, pregnant women receiving prenatal care in seven primary health units. Participants (n=350) were randomly allocated into the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). The women allocated into the IG, in addition to the usual prenatal care, were invited to participate in three individualised nutritional counselling sessions conducted by trained nutritionists. Results show that even though there were more women in the IG who had increased their daily intake of minimally processed foods and vegetables at lunch time when compared to the CG, this was not statistically significant. Additionally, there weren’t any differences between the groups in relation to physical activity. Authors conclude that their study was unprecedented in demonstrating that a nutritional counselling intervention based on the NOVA food classification system, together with the practice of physical activity, is effective in preventing excessive gestational weight gain in overweight pregnant women.
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a nutritional counselling intervention based on encouraging the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods, rather than ultra-processed products, and the practice of physical activities to prevent excessive gestational weight gain in overweight pregnant women. METHODS This was a two-armed, parallel, randomized controlled trial conducted in primary health units of a Brazilian municipality from 2018 to 2021. Overweight, adult pregnant women (n = 350) were randomly assigned to control (CG) or intervention groups (IG). The intervention consisted of three individualized nutritional counselling sessions based on encouraging the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods rather than ultra-processed products, following the NOVA food classification system, and the practice of physical activities. The primary outcome was the proportion of women whose weekly gestational weight gain (GWG) exceeded the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Adjusted logistic regression models were employed. RESULTS Complete data on weight gain were available for 121 women of the IG and 139 of the CG. In modified intention-to-treat analysis, there was a lower chance of the IG women having excessive GWG [OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.32, 0.98), p = .04], when compared to the CG. No between-group differences were observed for the other maternal outcomes investigated. CONCLUSION The present study was unprecedented in demonstrating that nutritional counselling based on the NOVA food classification system, together with encouraging the practice of physical activity, is effective in preventing excessive weight gain in overweight pregnant women. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered on July 30th 2018 at Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-2w9bhc).
-
3.
A randomized controlled trial of an oral probiotic to reduce antepartum group B Streptococcus colonization and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Hanson, L, VandeVusse, L, Forgie, M, Malloy, E, Singh, M, Scherer, M, Kleber, D, Dixon, J, Hryckowian, AJ, Safdar, N
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM. 2023;5(1):100748
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Streptococcus agalactiae (or group B Streptococcus [GBS]) is an encapsulated, gram-positive, beta-haemolytic anaerobe that asymptomatically colonizes the genitourinary tract. Vertical transmission of GBS during normal vaginal birth can lead to neonatal colonization and risk for early-onset GBS disease. The aim of this study was to present the findings of a phase II, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of an antenatal probiotic intervention to reduce GBS colonization. A secondary aim was to determine if the probiotic intervention reduces gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of pregnancy. Participants (n=107) were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: probiotic intervention (n=55) or placebo group (n=54). Results show that: - there weren’t any significant differences between the groups in demographic characteristics, perinatal or neonatal outcomes, or intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis doses. - there wasn’t any significant difference between groups in the presence of the probiotic bacteria on the rectal swabs, whereas the vaginal swabs showed a trend toward greater presence in probiotic group participants. - more probiotic participants took antenatal antibiotics (5/39) compared with controls (1/44). Authors conclude that probiotic bacteria colonisation of the genitourinary tract occurred more in the intervention group than in the control group and significantly reduced GI symptoms of pregnancy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Probiotics have been suggested as a strategy to reduce antenatal group B Streptococcus colonization. Although probiotics are known to improve gastrointestinal symptoms, this has not been studied during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic to reduce: (1) standard-of-care antenatal group B Streptococcus colonization and colony counts and (2) gastrointestinal symptoms of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN In a double-blind fashion, 109 healthy adult pregnant people were randomized to Florajen3 probiotic or placebo capsules once daily from 28 weeks' gestation until labor onset. Baseline vaginal and rectal study swabs for group B Streptococcus colony-forming units and microbiome analysis were collected at 28 and 36 weeks' gestation. Standard-of-care vaginal to rectal group B Streptococcus swabs were collected from all participants at 36 weeks' gestation and determined the need for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. Data collection included solicitation of adverse events, demographic information, Antepartum Gastrointestinal Symptom Assessment score, yogurt ingestion, sexual activity, and vaginal cleaning practices. RESULTS A total of 83 participants completed the study to 36 weeks' gestation with no adverse events. Standard-of-care group B Streptococcus colonization was 20.4% in the control group and 15.4% in probiotic group participants (-5%; P=.73). The relative risk for positive standard-of-care vaginal-rectal group B Streptococcus colonization was 1.33 (95% confidence interval, 0.5-3.40) times higher in the control group than in the probiotic group (P=.55). There were no differences in median vaginal (P=.16) or rectal (P=.20) group B streptococcus colony-forming units at baseline or at 36 weeks (vaginal P>.999; rectal P=.56). Antepartum Gastrointestinal Symptom Assessment scores were similar at baseline (P=.19), but significantly decreased in probiotic group participants at 36 weeks (P=.02). No covariates significantly altered group B Streptococcus colonization. Significantly more Florajen3 bacteria components were recovered from the vaginal-rectal samples of probiotic group participants (32%; P=.04) compared with controls. CONCLUSION The findings of this study provided insufficient evidence for the clinical application of the Florajen3 probiotic intervention to reduce standard-of-care vaginal-rectal group B Streptococcus colonization. The prevalence of group B Streptococcus was lower than expected in the study population, and intervention adherence was poor. Probiotic bacteria colonization of the genitourinary tract occurred more in intervention group participants than in controls and significantly reduced gastrointestinal symptoms of pregnancy.
-
4.
Effects of Probiotics on Glycemic Control and Metabolic Parameters in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Yefet, E, Bar, L, Izhaki, I, Iskander, R, Massalha, M, Younis, JS, Nachum, Z
Nutrients. 2023;15(7)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
The prevalence of gestational diabetes is increasing worldwide. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases obesity and future development of type 2 diabetes in mother and child. Previous research has looked at the beneficial effects of probiotics in reducing metabolic diseases, however, these specific benefits on women with GDM are not fully understood yet. This systematic review and meta-analysis of fourteen randomised controlled trials assessed the beneficial effects of probiotics on glycemic control and metabolic parameters in women with GDM. This study separately assessed probiotic bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus casei to understand their beneficial effects on metabolic parameters. This meta-analysis and systematic review suggest that probiotic supplementation could help improve glycemic control, insulin resistance and lipid levels in women diagnosed with GDM. All probiotic strains showed improvements in metabolic parameters when assessed separately. Further robust studies are required to assess the effect of probiotic supplementation on post- and pre-prandial glycemic control in women with GDM. Healthcare professionals can employ the results of this study to understand the therapeutic benefits of probiotics for improving GDM.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of probiotic supplements on glycemic control and metabolic parameters in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was glycemic control, i.e., serum glucose and insulin levels. Secondary outcomes were maternal weight gain, neonatal birth weight, and lipid parameters. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was used. Cochrane's Q test of heterogeneity and I2 were used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS Of the 843 papers retrieved, 14 (n = 854 women) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. When compared with placebo, women receiving probiotic supplements had significantly lower mean fasting serum glucose, fasting serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and VLDL levels. Decreased neonatal birth weight was witnessed in supplements containing Lactobacillus acidophilus. CONCLUSION Probiotic supplements may improve glycemic control and lipid profile and reduce neonatal birth weight in women with GDM.
-
5.
Advancements in Nutritional Strategies for Gestational Diabetes Management: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence.
Sánchez-García, JC, Saraceno López-Palop, I, Piqueras-Sola, B, Cortés-Martín, J, Mellado-García, E, Muñóz Sánchez, I, Rodríguez-Blanque, R
Journal of clinical medicine. 2023;13(1)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) causes hyperglycaemia due to the deficit of insulin during pregnancy. Dietary and lifestyle management plays a vital role in maintaining glycaemic control in women with GDM to avoid health risks to the mother and baby. Therefore, this systematic review of fourteen randomised controlled trials evaluated the latest research advancements to identify effective nutritional strategies for managing hyperglycaemia in women with GDM. Among all the dietary strategies implemented in the included randomised controlled trials, probiotic supplementation and supplementation of probiotics and vitamin D were most effective in GDM. Further robust studies are required to evaluate the potential effectiveness of different nutritional strategies for managing GDM. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this systematic review to understand the latest evidence supporting nutritional strategy for women with GDM and the need for personalised support for managing hyperglycaemia in GDM.
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as hyperglycaemia first detected at any time during pregnancy with values lower than those determined by the WHO for diabetes diagnosis in adults. This pathology, with a worldwide prevalence of 13.4%, causes significant maternal and foetal risks. The first line of treatment consists of maintaining normo-glycaemia through an adequate diet and lifestyle changes. The aim is to synthesize the scientific evidence updating the nutritional recommendations for the effective management of GDM. A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized clinical trials published within the last five years and providing information on nutritional recommendations to achieve an effective management of gestational diabetes were selected. The databases searched were PubMed, the WOS Core Collection, SCOPUS, and CINAHL, using the MeSH terms: "Diabetes, Gestational"; "Nutrition Assessment (nutrition*)"; "Diet"; "Eating"; and "Food"; with the Boolean operators "AND" and "OR". The PEDro scale (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) was used to assess the scientific quality of the studies, with a mean score of 8.9, indicating an average good scientific quality. Results: A total of 809 papers were collected, of which, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 randomized clinical trials were selected. Probiotic supplementation and co-supplementation with vitamin D have been found to be the most beneficial options for both mothers with GDM and neonates, but the most effective regimens are not known. Diets enriched with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and oat bran, as well as some recommendations focused on carbohydrates also seem effective, as well as diets designed for this group of women with GDM such as "CHOICE". Conclusions: Although there are numerous proposals that have been published in recent years focused on the diet of women with GDM in order to improve their results and those of their children, it is the supplementation with probiotics and the co-supplementation with vitamin D that is most agreed upon as beneficial; however, more research is needed into which protocols are most effective. Other proposals that could also be beneficial should be further studied.
-
6.
The Roles of Probiotics in the Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolic Outcomes in Asymptomatic Post-Gestational Diabetes Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Hasain, Z, Raja Ali, RA, Ahmad, HF, Abdul Rauf, UF, Oon, SF, Mokhtar, NM
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) happens to some pregnant women during the second and third trimester of their pregnancy, increasing the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by 10-fold later in life. Aberrant changes to the gut microbial composition in pregnant gestational diabetic women are found to have a negative effect on the metabolism that may carry on to the postpartum period. On the other hand, probiotics may have a host metabolism modifying effect by reducing inflammation and gut dysbiosis in asymptomatic post-GDM women. This 12-week randomised, double-blinded, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial looked at the effect of probiotic supplementation on inflammatory and metabolic outcomes in asymptomatic post-GDM women. The one hundred and thirty-two participants were randomised to receive either a probiotic formulation containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium stains or a placebo. Participants in the probiotic group showed a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein compared to the placebo group. In addition, the probiotic supplementation led to an increase in Bifidobacterium adolescentis. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the beneficial effects of probiotic supplements in post-GDM women. However, further robust studies are required to evaluate the functions of probiotic supplements in post-GDM women from different backgrounds.
Abstract
Probiotics are widely used as an adjuvant therapy in various diseases. Nonetheless, it is uncertain how they affect the gut microbiota composition and metabolic and inflammatory outcomes in women who have recently experienced gestational diabetes mellitus (post-GDM). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 132 asymptomatic post-GDM women was conducted to close this gap (Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05273073). The intervention (probiotics) group received a cocktail of six probiotic strains from Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus for 12 weeks, while the placebo group received an identical sachet devoid of living microorganisms. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical analyses, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing results were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. After the 12-week intervention, the probiotics group's fasting blood glucose level significantly decreased (mean difference -0.20 mmol/L; p = 0.0021). The HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Sequencing data also demonstrated a large rise in the Bifidobacterium adolescentis following probiotic supplementation. Our findings suggest that multi-strain probiotics are beneficial for improved metabolic and inflammatory outcomes in post-GDM women by modulating gut dysbiosis. This study emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive strategy for postpartum treatment that includes probiotics to protect post-GDM women from developing glucose intolerance.
-
7.
Associations between Dynamic Vitamin D Level and Thyroid Function during Pregnancy.
Wang, H, Wang, HJ, Jiao, M, Han, N, Xu, J, Bao, H, Liu, Z, Ji, Y
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Thyroid hormones play a vital role in regulating metabolism. Adequate thyroid hormone levels are also critical during pregnancy for optimal fetal growth and development. The foetus is dependent on maternal thyroid hormones until its own thyroid gland matured in the second half of pregnancy. Furthermore, pregnancy impacts thyroid function leading to an increased demand for thyroid hormones. Thyroid disease has been associated with Vitamin D deficiency. During pregnancy, both thyroid disorders and Vitamin D deficiency can have adverse effects on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, hence a potential link between Vitamin D status and thyroid function has been postulated. To fill the gaps in previous research, this retrospective cohort study aimed to explore the associations between Vitamin D status and thyroid function throughout the pregnancy, in each trimester. The analysis of hospital data collected in Beijing demonstrated an association between Vitamin D levels and thyroid function throughout pregnancy. Such interlink appeared to be dynamic and changed depending on the stage of pregnancy. The author's findings affirmed that maintenance of adequate Vitamin D levels supports normal thyroid function which is an important nutritional strategy for a healthy pregnancy.
Abstract
Optimal Vitamin D (VitD) status and thyroid function are essential for pregnant women. This study aimed to explore associations between dynamic VitD status and thyroid function parameters in each trimester and throughout the pregnancy period. Information on all 8828 eligible participants was extracted from the Peking University Retrospective Birth Cohort in Tongzhou. Dynamic VitD status was represented as a combination of deficiency/sufficiency in the first and second trimesters. Thyroid function was assessed in three trimesters. The associations between VitD and thyroid function were assessed by multiple linear regression and generalized estimating equation models in each trimester and throughout the pregnancy period, respectively. The results indicated that both free thyroxine (fT4; β = 0.004; 95%CI: 0.003, 0.006; p < 0.001) and free triiodothyronine (fT3; β = 0.009; 95%CI: 0.004, 0.015; p = 0.001) had positive associations with VitD status in the first trimester. A VitD status that was sufficient in the first trimester and deficient in the second trimester had a lower TSH (β = -0.370; 95%CI: -0.710, -0.031; p = 0.033) compared with the group with sufficient VitD for both first and second trimesters. In conclusion, the associations between VitD and thyroid parameters existed throughout the pregnancy. Maintaining an adequate concentration of VitD is critical to support optimal thyroid function during pregnancy.
-
8.
Polyphenol Intake in Pregnant Women on Gestational Diabetes Risk and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring: A Systematic Review.
Salinas-Roca, B, Rubió-Piqué, L, Montull-López, A
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
In Europe, gestational diabetes affects approximately 10.9% of pregnant women. According to previous research, the cardiometabolic health of the mother and the mother's dietary habits during pregnancy may affect the foetus' neurodevelopment. Taking polyphenol supplements and eating foods rich in polyphenols is beneficial for promoting health across generations. In this systematic review, fourteen studies were included in order to evaluate the effects of polyphenols on gestational diabetes and mental health in the offspring. A higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental diseases in offspring is associated with gestational diabetes. The results of this systematic review revealed that polyphenol intake during pregnancy might have a beneficial effect on improving cardiometabolic health, reducing inflammation, DNA methylation and oxidative stress, thus reducing the risk of developing fetal neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and learning disorders. There is a need for further robust research, as the existing evidence regarding the safety of long-term polyphenol supplementation and its effects on gestational diabetes and fetal neurodevelopment is very limited. In spite of this, healthcare professionals can use the findings of this systematic review to learn more about the positive health benefits of polyphenols in pregnant women.
Abstract
The intake of foods containing polyphenols can have a protective role to avoid comorbidities during pregnancy and, at the same time, promote transgenerational health. This review aims to describe the effect of polyphenol intake through supplements or polyphenol-rich foods during pregnancy on the incidence and evolution of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as the link with the neurodevelopment of the fetus. Using PRISMA procedures, a systematic review was conducted by searching in biomedical databases (PubMed, Cinahl and Scopus) from January to June 2022. Full articles were screened (n = 419) and critically appraised. Fourteen studies were selected and were divided into two different thematic blocks considering (i) the effect of polyphenols in GDM and (ii) the effect of GDM to mental disorders in the offspring. A positive relationship was observed between the intake of polyphenols and the prevention and control of cardiometabolic complications during pregnancy, such as GDM, which could be related to thwarted inflammatory and oxidative processes, as well as neuronal factors. GDM is related to a greater risk of suffering from diseases related to neurodevelopment, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and learning disorder. Further clinical research on the molecule protective mechanism of polyphenols on pregnant women is required to understand the transgenerational impact on fetal neurodevelopment.
-
9.
Association of gestational diabetes mellitus with overall and type specific cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Xie, W, Wang, Y, Xiao, S, Qiu, L, Yu, Y, Zhang, Z
BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 2022;378:e070244
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Gestational diabetes mellitus, defined as glucose intolerance with first onset during pregnancy, usually resolves after birth, however, a growing number of long-term observational studies suggest that the impact persists over time. The increased cardiovascular risk in women with gestational diabetes mellitus has been increasingly recognised. The aim of this study was to quantify the risks of overall and type specific cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of fifteen studies. The study included almost nine million women. Results show that participants with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus were at significantly increased risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in general and at variable risks for most common types of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Authors conclude that their findings highlight the need for early intervention in women at high risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, and for continuous monitoring of women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus after pregnancy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the risk of overall and type specific cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases as well as venous thromboembolism in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analyses. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 1 November 2021 and updated on 26 May 2022. REVIEW METHODS Observational studies reporting the association between gestational diabetes mellitus and incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were eligible. Data, pooled by random effects models, are presented as risk ratios (95% confidence intervals). Certainty of evidence was appraised by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations. RESULTS 15 studies rated as moderate or serious risk of bias were included. Of 513 324 women with gestational diabetes mellitus, 9507 had cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Of more than eight million control women without gestational diabetes, 78 895 had cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Compared with women without gestational diabetes mellitus, women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus showed a 45% increased risk of overall cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (risk ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.36 to 1.53), 72% for cardiovascular diseases (1.72, 1.40 to 2.11), and 40% for cerebrovascular diseases (1.40, 1.29 to 1.51). Women with gestational diabetes mellitus showed increased risks of incident coronary artery diseases (1.40, 1.18 to 1.65), myocardial infarction (1.74, 1.37 to 2.20), heart failure (1.62, 1.29 to 2.05), angina pectoris (2.27, 1.79 to 2.87), cardiovascular procedures (1.87, 1.34 to 2.62), stroke (1.45, 1.29 to 1.63), and ischaemic stroke (1.49, 1.29 to 1.71). The risk of venous thromboembolism was observed to increase by 28% in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (1.28, 1.13 to 1.46). Subgroup analyses of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease outcomes stratified by study characteristics and adjustments showed significant differences by region (P=0.078), study design (P=0.02), source of data (P=0.005), and study quality (P=0.04), adjustment for smoking (P=0.03), body mass index (P=0.01), and socioeconomic status (P=0.006), and comorbidities (P=0.05). The risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was, however, attenuated but remained significant when restricted to women who did not develop subsequent overt diabetes (all gestational diabetes mellitus: 1.45, 1.33 to 1.59, gestational diabetes mellitus without subsequent diabetes: 1.09, 1.06 to 1.13). Certainty of evidence was judged as low or very low quality. CONCLUSIONS Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risks of overall and type specific cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases that cannot be solely attributed to conventional cardiovascular risk factors or subsequent diabetes.
-
10.
Circulating levels of maternal vitamin D and risk of ADHD in offspring: results from the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial.
Chu, SH, Huang, M, Kelly, RS, Kachroo, P, Litonjua, AA, Weiss, ST, Lasky-Su, J
International journal of epidemiology. 2022;51(3):910-918
-
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Acting as both a nutrient and a hormone, vitamin D has been found to play a critical role in neurodevelopment across sensitive periods in utero, infancy and early childhood. Among neurodevelopmental and behavioural disorders in early life, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common among children worldwide. Low levels of circulating 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] have been shown to associate with prevalent ADHD. The aims of this study were to (i) determine the association between maternal vitamin D levels in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and the risk of offspring ADHD by age 6 years or later; and (ii) to identify potential sensitive periods in utero during which vitamin D levels might be most important for reducing risk of ADHD. This is an ancillary study of the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART). The VDAART was a randomised, double-blinded, multicentre, clinical trial in which 876 participating mothers were recruited between 10–18 weeks of gestation and assigned to receive either 4400 or 400 IU/day of vitamin D throughout pregnancy. Results show protective associations between maternal 25(OH)D sufficiency in the third trimester and child ADHD, but not at baseline. Furthermore, both at baseline and in the third trimester, there were higher odds of ADHD in male offspring as compared with female offspring with 25(OH)D insufficient mothers (analyses limited by small sample sizes) Authors conclude that higher levels of maternal vitamin D during pregnancy may play a protective role against risk of ADHD in offspring, but further studies are needed to confirm this association and any therapeutic potential therein.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
Ensure that women in pregnancy, and possibly also those seeking to conceive, have adequate vitamin D status in order to reduce the risk of ADHD in offspring.
Evidence Category:
-
X
A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
-
B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
-
C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
-
D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
-
E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
Background
This paper describes a secondary data analysis from an RCT that looked at the effect of prenatal vitamin D supplementation on risk of childhood asthma in offspring. Enrolled women aged 18–39 years with a history of asthma, eczema or allergic rhinitis, or whose partner (biological father of child) had a history of the aforementioned condition, received either 400 IU or 4400 IU vitamin D daily for the duration of their pregnancy. Offspring follow-up is still ongoing.
Aims
The current study aims were twofold: (i) to determine the association between maternal vitamin D levels in trimesters 1 and 3 and the risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring diagnosed by age 6 years or later; and (ii) to identify potentially sensitive periods during gestation in which vitamin D levels may be especially important for reducing risk of ADHD.
Methods
The analytical sample included 679 mother-child pairs, from the original sample of 876 participating mothers. No sample size calculation was reported, though the sample was considered representative of the overall RCT study population.
Maternal vitamin D (serum 25(OH)D) was classified as follows
- Highly deficient <12 ng/mL
- Deficient 12 ng/mL to 19.9 ng/mL
- Insufficient 20 ng/mL to 29.9 ng/mL
- Sufficient ≥30 ng/mL
ADHD status was assessed through parental reporting between ages 6 and 9 years.
Results
No baseline associations between a vitamin D sufficient status and offspring ADHD in maternal samples collected during trimester 1 were observed (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.51–2.19; P.0.871), though this association became statistically significant at trimester 3 (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26–0.84; P.0.011). This translated to a 53% less chance of having a child with ADHD at age 6 or later among mothers with vitamin D sufficiency compared with children of mothers with vitamin D deficiency. There was also a linear trend in the protective association of vitamin D sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL) on reduced risk of offspring ADHD at age 6 years or later in data from trimester 3. Stratified analyses revealed a protective association for sufficient maternal vitamin D status and offspring ADHD among males (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23–0.94).
Conclusions
The authors concluded that vitamin D sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL) in the 3rd trimester of gestation may decrease the risk of ADHD development in offspring.
Notes: The authors reported no relevant conflicts of interest.
Clinical practice applications:
Ensuring a sufficient vitamin D status by the 3rd trimester of pregnancy may help to lessen the risk of ADHD in offspring. Nutritional therapists and other clinicians working with pregnant women or women looking to conceive should consider checking vitamin D status and providing corrective supplementation and lifestyle advice to augment vitamin D levels where indicated.
Considerations for future research:
The authors of this study postulated that the statistically significant protective association between vitamin D at trimester 3 and ADHD in offspring was not significant in trimester 1 due to a low observed variability in vitamin D status (>75% of women were vitamin D insufficient), and thus the statistical test being underpowered to see difference between groups with sufficient or insufficient status.
Further research could expand upon this hypothesis to test whether vitamin D status in trimester 1, or preconceptually, may offer a protective association for ADHD and other related neurological conditions that may manifest in early life.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low levels of circulating 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] have been shown to associate with prevalent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but few studies have examined the association between 25(OH)D during fetal development and risk of childhood ADHD. METHODS Maternal plasma 25(OH)D was measured at 10-18 and 32-38 weeks of gestation, with sufficiency defined as 25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/ml. Offspring ADHD status between ages 6-9 years was measured by parent report of clinical ADHD diagnosis among 680 mother-child pairs from the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial. Association between maternal 25(OH)D and child ADHD was assessed using logistic regression, adjusting for maternal age, race and ethnicity. Effect modification by offspring sex was also assessed. RESULTS No associations between maternal 25(OH)D at 10-18 weeks of gestation and offspring ADHD were observed. In the third trimester, we observed associations between maternal vitamin D sufficiency and offspring ADHD [odds ratio (OR) 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26-0.84], in addition to maternal 25(OH)D sufficiency category, comparing the deficient (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-0.94), insufficient (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.15-1.10) and sufficient (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.08-0.54) categories against highly deficient 25(OH)D, respectively. Stratified analyses revealed a protective association for sufficient maternal 25(OH)D and child ADHD among males (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.94); the synergy index for additive effect modification of risk was 1.78 (95% CI 0.62-5.08). CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of maternal vitamin D in the third trimester are associated with lower risk of ADHD in offspring, with modest evidence for a stronger effect among male offspring. However, larger studies will be necessary to confirm these findings.