Abstract
Background
Paleolithic diet has recently gained popularity due to its presumed health benefits.
The favorable metabolic effects of this diet were assessed in non-pregnant population
but its impact during pregnancy remains to be evaluated.
Study design
A retrospective cohort study comparing two groups. Group A comprised of women with
singleton low-risk pregnancy adherent to paleolithic diet throughout gestation (n = 37).
Group B comprised low risk pregnant women on a regular diet (n = 39). Women were excluded
if they had low adherence to diet, started paleolithic diet during pregnancy, and
had pre-gestational diabetes mellitus or other types of metabolic syndrome such as
pre gestational hyperlipidemia, hypertension or BMI > 35. Blood indices such as Glucose
challenge test scores, hemoglobin, ferritin, and TSH levels were compared. Other pregnancy
factors such as maternal weight gain, rest days during gestation and pregnancy complications
such as IUGR, GDM or preeclampsia were compared. Lastly, obstetrical outcomes such
as mode of delivery and complications such as high-grade tears, as well as neonatal
factors such as birth weight and pH were compared between the two groups.
Results
General maternal characteristics such as age, BMI and parity were comparable between
the two groups. Women who maintained a paleolithic diet had a significant decrease
in glucose challenge test scores (95.8 mg/dL vs. 123.1 mg/dL, p < 0.01) and increase
in hemoglobin levels (12.1 g/dL vs. 11.05 g/dL p < 0.01) and Ferritin (32.1 vs 21.3 mg/mL,
p = 0.03) compared to women maintaining regular diet. Maternal pregnancy weight gain
was also slightly decreased in group A (9.3Kg vs. 10.8 kg, p = 0.03). Birthweights
were lower in group A (3098 g Vs.3275 g, p = 0.046) with no difference in adverse
neonatal outcomes. We found no differences in other pregnancy complications or labor
outcomes such as mode of delivery, shoulder dystocia or high grade perineal tears.
Conclusion
Paleolithic diet maintained during pregnancy may have a beneficial effect on the glucose
tolerance. It also may increase iron stores and hemoglobin levels. Neonates of women
maintaining paleolithic diet are slightly lighter but appropriate for gestational
age with no difference in neonatal outcomes.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 31, 2019
Accepted:
August 22,
2019
Received in revised form:
July 29,
2019
Received:
May 30,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
