Dietary intake, nutritional profile and pregnancy outcomes of women on plant-based diet

Abstract

Background: Vegetarian diets are appropriate to all stages in life, including pregnancy and childhood, if well planned and supervised. Healthy vegetarian diets must include a wide variety of plant foods during the day, otherwise it can potentially lead to protein, calcium, iron, zinc, omega 3 fatty acid, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 deficiencies and require greater attention during pregnancy (especially in strict vegetarians). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of self-declared vegetarian woman regularly attending a maternity. Selection occurred between December 2018 and October 2019. Dietary intake, clinical and biochemical parameters were collected on the first prenatal appointment. Pregnancy outcomes were obtained through patient data. Results: Five patients were included. All women had different nutritional inadequacies. Vitamin B12 deficiency showed to be the most common, although not necessarily linked to the type of diet and time without meat consumption and should be monitored. Calcium intake requires attention, especially on a strict vegetarian diet. All babies were born within adequate range for weight and height. Despite the small sample, pregnancy outcomes were similar to the general population. Conclusions: Studies with larger samples are necessary to support any beneficial or detrimental association in adopting plant-based diets during pregnancy. However, since choosing this type of diet is a personal choice, health professionals should be trained and prepared to support and correctly advise women following plant-based nutrition.