Expectant mothers’ eating habits can have long-lasting consequences on their health and the health of their children, a recent study at the University of Turku found. Vegetables, fruits, and berries are essential for pregnant women to consume daily to ensure they get enough nutrients to support fetal growth and development. However, only half of the women in the study met this recommendation.
Specialist researcher Ella Koivuniemi emphasized the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy. She highlighted that an unhealthy diet during pregnancy can increase the fetus’s susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases later in life. Pregnant women should consume five servings of plant products per day, but most did not meet this recommendation. Moreover, a third of them did not consume vegetables daily, which can lead to neural tube closure disorder and developmental disorders.
The study also examined the eating habits of children under school age. Most children did not consume enough vegetables and fruits daily, with only one percent meeting the recommended five servings of vegetable products per day. The quality of children’s diets was evaluated based on dairy products, sources of hard fat, and fiber-rich foods. Most children had a diet of moderate or poor quality due to factors like busy lifestyles, fatigue, and lack of support.
In conclusion, expectant mothers and young children need proper nutrition to support their health and development. By following dietary recommendations and incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods into their diets, mothers can help ensure their own well-being as well as that of their children.
