Soy foods and nuts consumption during early pregnancy are associated with decreased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study

Moderate Chili Consumption During Pregnancy Is Associated with a Low Risk of Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

Background/Objectives: We examined the association between bean consumption and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: We analyzed data from 1397 U.S. pregnant women from Infant Feeding Practices Study II. By using a Diet History Questionnaire, pregnant women were asked about the frequency of consumption and portion size of dried beans, chili, and bean soup over the previous month. They also reported the status of GDM. We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine associations between maternal bean consumption and the risk of GDM, adjusting for socio-demographic and pregnancy-related confounders. Results: Mean bean consumption was low among pregnant women: 0.31 cups/week of dried beans, 0.16 cups/week of chili, and 0.10 cups/week of bean soup. Dried bean consumption was relatively high in Hispanic mothers (mean, 0.65 cups/week) and mothers from the East South Central region (0.44). Chili consumption was relatively high in mothers who were Black (0.33), who did not attend college (0.18), who had a household size of 4+ (0.19), whose household income was Collapse

Key Words

• bean
• chili
• diet
• dietary intervention
• gestational diabetes
• glucose
• legume
• maternal
• pregnancy nutrition
• pulse

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MESH Headings

• Humans
• Female
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes, Gestational/epidemiology
• Diabetes, Gestational/prevention & control
• Adult
• Risk Factors
• Diet
• Fabaceae
• Young Adult
• United States/epidemiology
• Logistic Models
• Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

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Grants

• ARS 58-3060-1-040 United States Department of Agriculture

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Affiliation(s)

Xiaozhong Wen Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; (F.M.); (R.D.); (D.C.)
Fatima Makama Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; (F.M.); (R.D.); (D.C.)
Ryan Buzby Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA; (R.B.); (I.E.)
Jeremy Nguyen Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA;
Rose Durnell Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; (F.M.); (R.D.); (D.C.)
Iyobosa Ekhator Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA; (R.B.); (I.E.)
Daren Chan Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; (F.M.); (R.D.); (D.C.)
Todd C. Rideout Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA;

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Collaborators Collapse

Association Between the EAT-Lancet Reference Diet and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Mini-Review

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent pregnancy complication that seriously endangers maternal and infant health, posing a medical and economic burden worldwide. Several dietary patterns have been recommended for women of childbearing age, demonstrating a positive role in preventing and managing GDM. However, these dietary patterns may not fully take environmental factors into account when addressing global food sustainability and planetary health. In this context, the EAT-Lancet Commission proposed a diet in 2019 aimed at both health improvement and environmental sustainability, which can potentially reduce the prevalence of diet-related diseases. Nevertheless, the role of the EAT-Lancet reference diet in preventing and managing GDM has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, we conducted a literature search to assess the existing evidence for the association between the EAT-Lancet reference diet components and GDM. Based on the current evidence available in the PubMed database from inception to 31 October 2024, women of childbearing age are recommended to consume whole grains, fish, soy products, olive oil, full-fat dairy products, nuts, and moderate amounts of fruits while reducing red meat and sugar-sweetened beverage intake to lower the risk of GDM. There remains inconsistency regarding the association between tubers or starchy vegetables, vegetables, eggs, and poultry and the risk of GDM. In conclusion, current research on the association between diet and GDM is limited and offers suggestions for methodologies to obtain robust evidence regarding the association between the EAT-Lancet reference diet and GDM.

The health effects of soy: A reference guide for health professionals

Soy is a hotly debated and widely discussed topic in the field of nutrition. However, health practitioners may be ill-equipped to counsel clients and patients about the use of soyfoods because of the enormous, and often contradictory, amount of research that has been published over the past 30 years. As interest in plant-based diets increases, there will be increased pressure for practitioners to gain a working knowledge of this area. The purpose of this review is to provide concise literature summaries (400-500 words) along with a short perspective on the current state of knowledge of a wide range of topics related to soy, from the cholesterol-lowering effects of soy protein to the impact of isoflavones on breast cancer risk. In addition to the literature summaries, general background information on soyfoods, soy protein, and isoflavones is provided. This analysis can serve as a tool for health professionals to be used when discussing soyfoods with their clients and patients.