New research suggests that pregnant women adhering to vegan diets may face an increased risk of developing preeclampsia and giving birth to infants with lower birth weights. Published in the journal Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, the study unveils concerning findings regarding the impact of veganism on pregnancy outcomes.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), analyzed data from over 66,000 pregnancies in Denmark between 1996 and 2002. Mothers following a vegan diet were found to have newborns weighing, on average, 240 grams (8 to 9 ounces) less than those born to omnivorous mothers.
While the observational nature of the study prevents definitive conclusions on causality, the researchers emphasize the need for further investigations to characterize the diets of individuals adhering to veganism during pregnancy. The study’s limitations include a small number of vegan pregnancies and potential changes in dietary habits since the cohort was recruited in 1996–2002.
Vegan Diets and Pregnancy Details: The study revealed that protein intake was notably lower among vegans, and overall macronutrient intake was reduced. The quality of vegan diets was also questioned, with suggestions that higher intake of processed foods might have contributed to the observed outcomes.
Dana Hunnes, PhD, a senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Health, emphasizes the importance of diet quality in veganism. She suggests that while a vegan diet can be healthy, careful planning is necessary to ensure a balance of nutrients, recommending the assistance of a dietitian for optimal meal planning.
Preeclampsia and Surprising Findings: Surprisingly, the study found higher rates of preeclampsia among vegan mothers compared to their omnivorous counterparts. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is typically associated with factors not commonly linked to vegan diets.
Lauri Wright, PhD, president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, expressed surprise at these findings, citing that preeclampsia is often associated with excessive weight gain, higher saturated fat intake, and inadequate intake of certain vitamins and minerals—factors not typically associated with vegan diets.
Nutrient Considerations for Vegan Pregnant Women: The study raises awareness of the need for well-planned vegan diets during pregnancy. Nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, zinc, iron, iodine, and folic acid should be carefully monitored. A daily prenatal vitamin supplement is recommended for pregnant women following a vegan diet to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients.
Both Hunnes and Wright agree that vegan diets can offer numerous health benefits across the lifespan, including during pregnancy. However, meticulous planning and consultation with a registered dietitian are essential to ensure a nutritionally adequate diet.
As discussions around veganism continue, the study sheds light on the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with specific dietary choices during pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to focus on nutrient-dense foods across all food groups, limiting added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats, and considering prenatal vitamin supplementation for comprehensive nutrient support.
