vegan foods to avoid during pregnancyvegan foods to avoid during pregnancy

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies established an Adequate Intake (AI) of cobalamin nearly 4 g/day for adults [55]. Folate Folate (or folic acid) is a vitamin that helps build your baby's cells and reduces the risk of certain birth defects such as spina bifida. Gibson R.S., Abebe Y., Stabler S., Allen R.H., Westcott J.E., Stoecker B.J., Krebs N.F., Hambidge K.M. vegetarian diets, vegan diets, plant-based diets, nutrition, pregnancy, breastfeeding, human milk, micronutrients, fetal development. For that, ethnicity and poverty have to be taken into account as a cause of an unbalanced diet, micronutrient deficiency, and poor pregnancy outcome. Nevertheless the current evidence from randomised controlled trials is inconclusive [113]. Vegetarian diets typically comprise of plant foods such as grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruit, and exclude all kinds of animal food including meat (pork, beef, mutton, lamb, poultry, game, and fowl), meat products (sausages, salami, and pt), fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. Furthermore, one Italian study found a positive correlation between hypospadias and a frequent consumption of fish during pregnancy [138]. Therefore, healthcare professionals might have knowledge about plant-based diets characteristics in order to implement balanced dietary patterns, enhancing supplement intake, and paying attention to critical nutrients to avoid dangerous health outcomes. Avoid Undercooked Poultry and Meat. De Kort C.A., Nieuwenhuijsen M.J., Mendez M.A. Vitamin D induces insulin secretion and decreases insulin resistance preventing gestational diabetes. The ALSPAC Study Team. Pawlak R., James P.S., Raj S., Cullum-Dugan D., Lucus D. How prevalent is vitamin B12 deficiency among vegetarians? Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements. DHA is an important component of neural and retinal membranes. According to Messinas guide for North American vegetarians, this population have to consume more legumes, nuts, tofu, beans, seeds, fortified breakfast cereals, milk, cheese or yogurt, and fortified soymilk, which are good sources of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and calcium (the recommendation is the intake of 1200 to 1500 mg/day of calcium, 20% more than omnivores). Frederick I.O., Williams M.A., Dashow E., Kestin M., Zhang C., Leisenring W.M. Study design This is a prospective observational study. In contrast the absorption of nonheme iron in vegetarian people is high to compensate low body iron stores compared to nonvegetarians. Eat a bowl for breakfast or sprinkle some atop Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. Doing so can help ensure youre getting all the nutrients that you and your baby need. In the United Kingdom, people of non-White ethnic origin are more likely to indicate themselves as vegetarian than white (15% vs. 6% of white respondents) [23]. Perrin M.T., Pawlak R., Dean L.L., Christis A., Friend L. A cross-sectional study of fatty acids and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in human milk from lactating women following vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore diets. Crowe F.L., Steur M., Allen N.E., Appleby P.N., Travis R.C., Key T.J. Also, a friendly reminder to check with your doctor before adding any additional supplements.. Plant sources of vitamin D are beans, broccoli, and leafy greens, but its content of this molecule without fortification is low, except for some wild mushrooms that contain a relevant concentration of this vitamin; therefore, vegetarian and vegan women are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Foods that are high in vitamin D include: Dairy products. Low maternal vitamin B-12 intake during lactation can lead to low vitamin B12 content in breast milk which can cause permanent neurological disabilities in infants with low vitamin B12 levels. If you want to maintain a vegan diet during pregnancy, consider having a dietitian review your diet and nutrient levels, as they can help you identify and compensate for any suboptimal intakes. South Asian Ethnicity is related to the highest risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnant canadian women. A vegan diet can have some impressive effects on your health. The deficiency rate for women was 33% in the first trimester, 17% in the second, and 39% in the third trimesters. 3.1 Chicken of the Sea Pink Salmon. dietary surveys indicate that animal-derived foods, such as meat and dairy, are typically important contributors of certain nutrients in our diet including iron, vitamin B12 and calcium. Low maternal iron intake has also been linked to autism, schizophrenia and abnormal brain structure, as well as memory problems, slower speed of processing, and poorer bonding in newborns. This data included 27 pregnant LOV, 43 pregnant low meat consumers and 39 pregnant controls who consumed more meat as a Western diet (WD). At home, the temperature should reach at least 145 F for whole cuts, 160 F for ground meats like hamburger, and 165 F for . Wang F., Zheng J., Yang B., Jiang J., Fu Y., Li D. Effects of Vegetarian Diets on Blood Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. A longitudinal study conducted in 238 black pregnant women from Congo showed that the incidence of arterial hypertension was 4.6% overall (2.9% of whom had PE and 1.7% of whom showed transient hypertension). For instance, research suggests that women who follow a vegan diet are generally at no greater risk of pregnancy complications than women who dont. Vegan diets have shown lower average intakes of vitamin D than lacto-vegetarians and omnivores [73]. MD was defined as fish twice a week or more, use of olive or rape seed oil, consumption of five fruits and vegetables a day, ate meat (other than poultry and fish) at most twice a week, and drank at most two cups of coffee a day. One limitation of this data was the absence of a dietary assessment to quantify B12 intake, as this specific population promoted vegetarianism [69]. Most of prenatal vitamins contain insufficient vitamin D in order to prevent infant vitamin D deficiency, so to get the recommended doses of 1000 to 2000 IU per day, are considered safe in pregnancy [157]. Another prospective longitudinal study conducted during pregnancy showed that the prevalence of B12 deficiency increased between the second and third trimester from 8% to 35% in healthy pregnant women with B12 intake >RDA (2.6 g/day). All authors contributed to the work reported. Messina V., Melina V., Mangels A.R. The present study corresponds to a descriptive review in which the majority of papers evaluated maternal dietary intake through a food frequency questionnaire. Failing to adequately compensate for the following nutrients may harm both your and your babys health. During a normal pregnancy the efficiency of calcium absorption increases, so the intake of calcium is equal to a nonpregnant woman of the same age. [Review][Update of Cochrane Database Syst. In addition, in the developed world, vitamin D deficiency is most frequently diagnosed exclusively in breastfed infants of vegetarian or vegan mothers [156]. If you follow a vegan diet during pregnancy, be sure to eat sufficient amounts of the following foods: A few other small steps can help make a vegan diet robust and nutrient rich. Low vitamin D is the most common deficiency among LOV and vegan people so they may need sun exposure, food fortified with vitamin D, and daily supplements to maintain adequate serum levels. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/3/557/s1, http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2011issue4/vj2011issue4poll.php, http://www.eatright.org/members/practicepapers/, http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/dgas2010-policydocument.htm, http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/recommendations.html, www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/pregnancy.html, http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-calcium-and-vitamin-D.aspx. Do you need to supplement as a vegan during pregnancy? Khoury J., Henriksen T., Christophersen B., Tonstad S. Effect of a cholesterol-lowering diet on maternal, cord, and neonatal lipids, and pregnancy outcome: A randomized clinical trial. LA (n-6) and ALA (n-3) are polyunsaturated fatty acids which are obtained from food sources. It is mainly up to you to choose healthy menu items that . Iron supplementation is only recommended if iron status has been shown to be low by appropriate blood tests [16]. In addition, it plays a critical role in the regulation of blood pressure and electrolyte and plasma volume homeostasis; therefore, normal serum vitamin D levels help to prevent hypertension and PE through suppression of the reninangiotensin system [163]. Fiber intake is recommended in pregnancy because it improves the richness of microbiota and avoids constipation but an excessive consume can difficult the meeting of appropriate nutrient and energy absorption. M.D.G.R. In a casecontrol poblational study called the KOALA Birth Cohort Study (a prospective cohort of 2834 motherinfant pairs in the Netherlands), vegetarian pregnant women who chose organic foods, had higher education and calculated good intake of macro- and micronutrients for a balanced diet [60]. Eating Vegetarian and Vegan During Pregnancy: Is It Safe? - What to Expect Loaded with vitamins and minerals. Adequate iodine intake is essential when expecting a baby. Most expectant mothers go with their cravings, as long as they are not harmful to the baby. Despite recommendations about a good intake during pregnancy, vegetarian pregnant women are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency and may suffer bone impairment, osteoporosis, and hypocalcemia [77]. Getting enough of vitamin B9 reduces the incidence of neural tube birth defects involving the spine and the brain. Get expert tips and advice on plant-based nutrition. Higher salt intake during pregnancy in vegans is considered harmless because of the low incidence of hypertension in this population, and can facilitate to meet the iodine requirements. In India, 2030% of the total population is considered to be vegetarian for religious reasons, but normally they do not eat meat because of economic causes. FREE NEWBORN NAPPIES Sign Up Now Whether it's for ethical, environmental or health reasons, more than 600,000 people in Britain now choose to exclude all animal products, including meat, eggs, dairy and honey, from their diet. Does the impact of a plant-based diet during pregnancy on birth weight differ by ethnicity? provided a modified food guide pyramid for vegetarian and vegan diets [42]. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) in pregnancy is 11-12 mg. Calcium is needed for the formation of bones, nerves, muscles and the heart of a baby. Herrmann W., Schorr H., Obeid R., Geisel J. Vitamin B-12 status, particularly holotranscobalamin II and methylmalonic acid concentrations, and hyperhomocysteinemia in vegetarians. Approximately 1.42% of the US adult population is vegan [20]. Pistollato F., Sumalla Cano S., Elio I., Masias Vergara M., Giampieri F., Battino M. Plant-Based and Plant-Rich Diet Patterns during Gestation: Beneficial Effects and Possible Shortcomings. Each stage of fetal growth is dependent on appropriate maternal nutrient transfer, so a balanced diet is essential to avoid fetal complications. the contents by NLM or the National Institutes of Health. In pregnant vegetarian women the results are controversial. Zinc absorption can be improved by adopting food preparation methods (soaking, germination fermentation, sourdough leavening of bread) that reduce phytate levels in zinc rich foods. In addition, the authors showed that maternal intake (>1 meal/week) of meat, eggs, or milk had protective effect against the risk of NTD, so the literature is controversial. Yes, you can eat chipotle mayo while pregnant. Is a vegan diet healthy during pregnancy and breastfeeding? And although the exact dietary requirements for choline are unknown, pregnant women are advised to eat 450 mg of this nutrient a day. Berkow S.E., Barnard N.D. The DRI for Vitamin B12 is 2.4 g/day for adults [54]. The authors reported that women with lower intake of vegetables during the first trimester had higher incidence of SGA and no association was found between fruit consumption and birth outcomes [122]. Achieving optimal essential fatty acid status in vegetarians: Current knowledge and practical implications. In this regard, specific dietary interventions before, during, and after gestation that are aimed at improving diet quality and adjusting appropriate intakes of macro- and micronutrients might avoid maternal health impairment, mental diseases during pregnancy, and consequent physical and neurological fetal disabilities. Sharma J.B., Soni D., Murthy N.S., Malhotra M. Effect of dietary habits on prevalence of anemia in pregnant women of Delhi. Vegetarian and vegan diets have increased worldwide in the last decades, according to the knowledge that they might prevent coronary heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. A recent review analyzed 13 low- and middle-income countries and showed that the content of DHA in breast milk was very low in populations living mainly on plant-based diets but higher in fish-eating countries [153]. Vegan-vegetarian diets in pregnancy: Danger or panacea? Davey G.K., Spencer E.A., Appleby P.N., Allen N.E., Knox K.H., Key T.J. Epic-oxford: Lifestyle characteristics and nutrient intakes in a cohort of 33 883 meat-eaters and 31 546 non meat-eaters in the UK. Enhanced protein synthesis occurs, combined with decreased amino acid catabolism and urea synthesis. We included American Dietetic Association Guidelines in pregnancy and International Guidelines for vegetarian and vegan diets; moreover, we also included scientific papers about the nutritional status of mothers, reflecting fetal nutrition and possible detrimental effects on fetal development. Dr. Annette Creedon, BSc (Hons), PhD, RNutr. A.H.B., C.B.-N., M.A.C., V.A.-B., M.P.T., and S.F.M. How can being overweight or obese cause problems during pregnancy? Serum levels of vitamin D are easily measured if there is concern regarding intake of this essential nutrient [94]. Yet, many people believe it isn't possible to follow the diet and be healthy when pregnant. A vegan diet (low in AA) might provide protection against this condition, especially if the conversion of LA to AA is inhibited by decreased activity of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase. The mothers in the nonvegetarian group in this study had a significantly greater energy intake compared with the vegetarians. The mean iron absorption from a vegetarian diet is estimated 10% compared to 18% of a diet containing meat. Vegetarians should guarantee that their diet contains sufficient proteins, pyridoxine, biotin, calcium, copper, magnesium, and zinc. The choice of vegetarian or vegan diet is always in the preconception period due to ethical reasons or poor social condition, so a well-adjusted preconception nutrition is essential for healthy pregnancy. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Good sources of iron in your diet are: Legumes, (e.g. Hunt J.R. Bioavailability of iron, zinc, and other trace minerals from vegetarian diets 1-4. Since vegans weigh less on average than omnivores, vegans may have fewer weight-related complications. Dietary iron intake during early pregnancy and birth outcomes in a cohort of British women. Baatenburg de Jong R., Bekhof J., Roorda R., Zwart P. Severe nutritional vitamin deficiency in a breast-fed infant of a vegan mother. Leung B.M., Kaplan B.J. In the group of fiber intake the relative risk (RR) of PE for women in the highest (21.2 g/day) vs. the lowest quartile (<11.9 g/day) was 0.28 (95% CI = 0.110.75). Here is a detailed beginner's guide to going vegan. Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is found in adequate ranges only in animal and dairy foods. However, these large and well-designed studies had the limitation that their conclusions were based on indirect correlations derived from retrospectively self-administered questionnaires. During this time of rapid development, it is critical that pregnant moms understand which foods are best and what foods to avoid when filling their plates. Zinc is another nutrient essential to healthy pregnancy. A casecontrol study enrolled 787 pregant women and assessed fruit and vegetable consumption during pregnancy using FFQ (in-person interview). Low in saturated fat and cholesterol. In developed countries, vegetarians comprehend more women than men, and tend to be of higher educational or socioeconomic status, with low probabilities to plan children, and generally they are under 40 years of age. PE might possibly be reduced with omega-3 LCPUFA but with low-quality evidence. In fact, vegan women may have a lower risk of postpartum depression, cesarean section (C-section) delivery, and maternal or infant mortality (6, 7). Authors found that the patterns positively associated with BW were labeled nutrient dense, protein-rich, health conscious, and Mediterranean. [151], conducted a cross-sectional study in which 74 vegan, vegetarian, and nonvegetarian women were recruited. Vitamin B12 is not found in plant sources, and therefore must be obtained through animal consumption or via supplements [94]. 2010;(8):CD001059; PMID: 20687064]. In this study, 14% of the mothers had biochemical osteomalacia [74]. Vegetarians and vegans should consume 1200 to 1500 mg/day of calcium, which is ~20% more calcium than that recommended for omnivores [63]. Inhibitors of iron absorption include calcium, coffee, and fiber. On the contrary, the German Nutrition Society does not recommend vegetarian or vegan diets during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood, due to the inadequate supply of essential nutrients [15]. . A high prevalence of deficiency, assessed by methylmalonic acid and/or holotranscobalamin II levels, is frequent among vegetarians, and a high prevalence of increased concentration of homocysteine. It is used to increase muscle mass, boost strength, and enhance exercise performance. All pregnant women need appropriate nutritional supplementation. Following a Mediterranean diet also increases the likelihood of achieving adequate intakes of zinc, B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin E, magnesium, and vitamin C [40]. Fetal outcomes depend on a balanced interchange between maternal nutrients, placental transport and fetal growth factors. Cereals content is low in lysine, so this essential amino acid can be acquired by the intake of more beans and soy products. Sachan A., Gupta R., Das V., Agarwal A., Awasthi P.K., Bhatia V. High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women and their newborns in northern India. Low serum vitamin B-12 concentrations are prevalent in a cohort of pregnant Canadian women. Vegetable but not fruit intake during pregnancy is associated with newborn anthropometric measures. A recent review shows that there is a high prevalence of vitamin B12 depletion or deficiency among vegetarians [62]. Assaf-Balut C., Garca de la Torre N., Duran A., Fuentes M., Bordi E., del Valle L., Familiar C., Valerio J., Jimnez I., Herraiz M.A., et al. This research received no external funding. It can also significantly impact their growth. It has been suggested that the supposed lower BW observed among infants born from mothers who adhere to vegetarian diets may be related to poor nutritional status with regard to iron or vitamin B12. Moreover unbalanced dietary patterns with lack of macro- and micronutrients such as proteins, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, DHA, and iron are at more risk of fetal impairment (low BW, neurological disabilities, and fetal malformations). Pregnancy is a critical window of opportunity to provide dietetic habits that are beneficial for fetal healthy. A recent review included papers that assessed diet by FFQ and studied the association among different dietary patterns and BW. Vegetarian diet combined with physical activity seems to reduce the risk of PE. Essential fatty acid requirements of vegetarians in pregnancy, lactation and infancy. Despite the assessment of the importance of a healthy diet in pregnancy, data have demonstrated that women dont change diet during pregnancy, so optimal preconception dietary pattern is determinant for a healthy pregnancy [24]. Vegan diets exclude all animal products and typically emphasize whole foods like vegetables and legumes. According to the Advances in Nutrition journal, not eating enough plant-based foods when expecting a baby may increase the risk of several gestation-related issues, such as preeclampsia (a serious condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and after labor) and obesity. Among White Europeans, a plant-based dietary pattern was inversely associated with birth weight and increased risk of SGA. The limitations of this study are that the sample did not include vegan participants, the inclusion of a small population, and that some comparisons were more cross-sectional than longitudinal due to the study design. Maternal total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were lowered in the intervention compared with the control group, but lipid levels in cord blood and in neonates born to mothers in the intervention versus the control groups did not differ. It may be associated with changes in the bodys hormone levels during pregnancy, although there is little evidence to support this, says Dr. Creedon. Macrobiotic diet: the strictly vegetarian version of this diet consists of cereals, pulses, vegetables, seaweed, and soy products; while dairy products, eggs, and some vegetables are avoided. Rao S., Yajnik C.S., Kanade A., Fall C.H., Margetts B.M., Jackson A.A., Shier R., Joshi S., Rege S., Lubree H., et al. While a balanced vegan diet is perfectly acceptable for pregnancy, an improperly planned one carries risks. Plant proteins have low digestibility (on average 85%) [157]. No differences were found for SGA or intrauterine growth restriction. Charts listed in these guidelines are useful for substituting beans, tofu, nuts, eggs, and seeds for meats, and include alternative food sources for calcium if milk and dairy products are rejected [3,41]. Plant-based diets are reported to contain less saturated fatty acids, animal protein and cholesterol, and more folate, fibre, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and carotenoids. They found that >6 pickled vegetable meals/wk increased the risk of NTD, compared with less frequent (i.e., <1 meal/week) consumption. Many studies have found positive correlation between birth weight (BW) and maternal intake of certain food items such as milk, fruits, and green leafy vegetables [116,117]. Take precautions against food-borne illness. Benefits Concerns Foods to eat Foods to avoid Supplements Sample meal plan Bottom line As veganism grows increasingly popular, more women are choosing to eat this way including during. Apollo Specialty Hospitals Private Limited 7-1-617/A, 615 & 616, Imperial Towers, 7th Floor, Ameerpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500038. On the contrary, there are data demonstrating a protective effect of plant-based dietey patterns on anthropometric fetal development explained by the high content of vitamins in such diets. A cross-sectional observational study of 74 lactating women following a vegan (n = 26), vegetarian (n = 22), or omnivore (n = 26) diet pattern was conducted in the United States [154]. unpasteurised milk. In 2006, approximately 2.3% of the US adult population (4.9 million people) strictly followed a vegetarian diet, asserting that they never ate meat, fish, or poultry. Although the requirements for calcium do not rise in pregnancy, many vegans do not consume enough of it. The following criteria were used to consider low serum concentration of vitamin B12; <130 pmol/L in the first trimester, <120 pmol/L in the second trimester, and <100 pmol/L in the third trimester. Although prenatal vitamins are helpful, many of them lack adequate amounts of choline, omega-3s, and vitamin B12 (53). Asemi Z., Samimi M., Tabassi Z., Esmaillzadeh A. An increase in all sources of protein can compensate a low lysine average [63]. Lower Circulating B12 Is Associated with Higher Obesity and Insulin Resistance during Pregnancy in a Non-Diabetic White British Population. As fetal growth is directly affected by maternal protein intake, pregnant women need to consume an optimal variety of food plants in vegetarian or vegan diets to achieve the same biodisponibility of proteins of omnivorous population as several studies have demonstrated [124,125,126]. First things first, a balanced vegan diet is a suitable approach during pregnancy, according to a major review published in the Nutrients journal. British Nutrition Foundation. Well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets can be nutritious and healthy, but it is also possible to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet badly, says Dr. Annette Creedon, nutritionist and nutrition manager at the British Nutrition Foundation. Cetin I., Mando C., Calabrese S. Maternal predictors of intrauterine growth restriction. [(accessed on 24 September 2012)]; Thorne-Lyman A., Fawzi W.W. Vitamin D during pregnancy and maternal, neonatal and infant health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. A research for English written articles was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed/Cochrane databases (since 2000 up to 31 December 2018). In regions where animal source food consumption is low and prenatal supplementation is not common, infants are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, as shown in prospective data which found that maternal and infant serum/plasma and breast milk total vitamin B12 concentrations were significantly higher among Canadian mothers compared to Cambodian mothers [149]. Indeed, results from a review in the Clinical Nutrition journal have shown that vegans are at a higher risk of not obtaining enough protein, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, zinc, calcium, potassium and selenium. Vegan Pregnancy (Everything A Pregnant Mother Should Know) Pawlak R., Vos P., Shahab-Ferdows S., Hampel D., Allen L.H., Perrin M.T. Compared to nonvegetarians, the breast milk of vegetarians was found to have more than twice the amount of LA and ALA, but less than half the amount of DHA [84]. A significantly lower rate of preterm birth was found in women with fish intake twice or more a week (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.95) [108]. Your In-Depth Guide to Pregnancy-Safe Protein Powders in 2023 This article looks at the science behind these benefits, and vegan meal ideas to get you. A systematic narrative review. Stahler C. How Often Do Americans Eat Vegetarian Meals? Dietary fiber intake in early pregnancy and risk of subsequent preeclampsia. Sociodemographic characteristics did not differ between the two dietary groups except in maternal parity. According to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) and Institute of Medicine (IOM), caloric necessities are no higher than the estimated energy requirement for nonpregnant women until the second trimester. However, they require careful planning. The choice of vegetarian or vegan diet is always in preconception, period so well adjusted preconception nutrition is essential for healthy pregnancy. During pregnancy and lactation, adequate calcium intake is considered to be 1000 mg/day. Simes-Wst A.P., Molt-Puigmart C., Van Dongen, Martien C.J.M., Dagnelie P.C., Thijs C. Organic food consumption during pregnancy is associated with different consumer profiles, food patterns and intake: The KOALA Birth Cohort Study. World Health Organization randomized trial of calcium supplementation among low calcium intake pregnant women. This in turn can interfere with hormone balance and increase the risk of metabolic complications in newborns. Indeed, according to the Journal of Perinatology, vegan diets may increase the risk for small-for-gestational-age newborns (smaller than the usual amount for the number of weeks of pregnancy) and lower birth weight. Whats more, the vegan diets high veggie and fiber content may guard against preeclampsia a complication caused by a rise in blood pressure during pregnancy (12, 13). Vegan Diet: Is It Safe During Pregnancy? - WebMD contributed to the bibliographic source and elaboration of the initial manuscript and tables. Treat chronic health problems. Effects of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies during pregnancy on fetal, infant, and child development. The nutritional pattern depends on the socioeconomic status of the mother, ethnicity, and the reason for choosing vegetarian diets. Foods fortified with vitamin B12 include meat substitute products, breakfast cereals, soymilks, tofu, cereals, and nutritional yeast. Here, weve created a vegan pregnancy guide to discuss the latest evidence on the topic and help answer any questions you may have. It can also directly contribute to adverse health outcomes in the infant, including pediatric wheeze, diabetes, neural tube defects and even cancers. For that, it offers a critical window of opportunity to acquire dietetic habits that are beneficial for fetal healthy [2]. That said, a vegan diet that provides adequate amounts of these nutrients appears to be just as healthy as a conventional diet that includes meat, eggs, and dairy. Piccoli G., Clari R., Vigotti F., Leone F., Attini R., Cabiddu G., Mauro G., Castelluccia N., Colombi N., Capizzi I., et al. They described that 23% of pregnant women had low plasma vitamin B12 (<150 pmol/L), but 62% had elevated plasma methylmalonic acid (MMA) (>271 nmol/L). This meal plan covers a weeks worth of vegan dishes that pack numerous nutrients intended to aid your pregnancy.