Ulla Hoppu1, Erika Isolauri2, Pertti Koskinen3, Kirsi Laitinen4. 1. Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. 2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland. 3. TYKSLAB Laboratory, Hospital District of Southwest Finland, Turku, Finland. 4. Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. Electronic address: kirsi.laitinen@utu.fi.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary counseling on blood lipid concentrations during and after pregnancy. METHODS:Partcipants (N = 256) were randomized into three study groups: dietary counseling with probiotics or placebo and a control group at first trimester of pregnancy. Diet quality was evaluated from food records by an index of healthy eating and total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A-I and B, and lipoprotein (a) were measured at the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and 1, 6, and 12 mo postpartum. RESULTS: During pregnancy, no differences in lipid values were noted among the groups, but postpartum TC and LDL-C were lower in both dietary counseling groups compared with controls (P = 0.027 and P = 0.012, respectively). Higher points on the healthy eating index, normal weight, and regular exercise were associated with a more favorable lipid profile at 12 mo after delivery. CONCLUSION:Maternal dietary counseling may lower maternal TC and LDL-C levels postpartum. A healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and postpartum may benefit women's cardiovascular health.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary counseling on blood lipid concentrations during and after pregnancy. METHODS: Partcipants (N = 256) were randomized into three study groups: dietary counseling with probiotics or placebo and a control group at first trimester of pregnancy. Diet quality was evaluated from food records by an index of healthy eating and total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A-I and B, and lipoprotein (a) were measured at the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and 1, 6, and 12 mo postpartum. RESULTS: During pregnancy, no differences in lipid values were noted among the groups, but postpartum TC and LDL-C were lower in both dietary counseling groups compared with controls (P = 0.027 and P = 0.012, respectively). Higher points on the healthy eating index, normal weight, and regular exercise were associated with a more favorable lipid profile at 12 mo after delivery. CONCLUSION: Maternal dietary counseling may lower maternal TC and LDL-C levels postpartum. A healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and postpartum may benefit women's cardiovascular health.