The Use of Probiotics in Pregnancy

-
The Use of Probiotics in Pregnancy

The use of probiotics during pregnancy is controversial, but more and more people are interested in the beneficial effects of consuming probiotics. One issue many pregnant women contend with is constipation, which could potentially be alleviated by probiotics such as yogurt. One study found yogurt to be helpful in alleviating constipation in pregnant women, but there are very few studies in this population. One doctor recommends probiotic containing foods as well as prebiotics in the form of fiber to ease constipation. Other complications of pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, may benefit from probiotics as well. One study found a reduction in cases of gestational diabetes, but another study found no difference. This may mean different strains, dosages, and timing of supplementation may impact benefits from probiotic supplementation.

As for the babies of pregnant women consuming probiotics, it is recommended that women consume probiotics if their baby is at high risk for developing allergies. Probiotics may have a role in preventing allergies and eczema but studies have been of low quality and there is no one strain or dosage that can be recommended to pregnant women. There are currently two ongoing studies that may shed more light on the topic: Probiotics in Pregnancy (PiP) and The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY). Although research is scarce on specific recommendations, it is considered safe for pregnant women to consume probiotics from food, and in some cases supplementation may be recommended. Whole foods and fermented foods are generally considered as beneficial for pregnant women and for most other people as well.

Collins, S. C. (2017). Probiotics: The use of probiotics in pregnancy. Today's Dietitian, 19(11). Retrieved from: http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/1117p18.shtml


-AC

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Are All Sugars Created Equal?

-
Image
Are All Sugars Created Equal?  I think one of the most confusing nutrition topics for people is sugar. With so many conflicting stories out there, it’s difficult to separate the facts from the fiction. Not to mention, the types of sugars are endless. How do we know what’s best for our bodies? White or brown sugar? Cane or raw? Should we just go with Stevia instead? Is it even okay to consume artificial sweeteners? Should we avoid foods with high amounts of natural sugar in them? Each answer only seems to lead to another question!  Let’s start off with distinguishing the purpose of sugar in the first place. Do our bodies even need it? The short answer is yes! Sugars are carbohydrates (what we commonly call “carbs”), one of the three main macronutrients that our bodies need for fuel to function and survive. One of the major ways to categorize sugar is by separating the “natural” sugars from the “added” sugars. Natural sugars are, well, naturally found in foods. They give us the energy th
Read more

Milk Mythbusters

-
Image
Just like with any nutrition topic, the facts about milk can become convoluted pretty quickly. Whether you drink milk for the protein, the nutrients, the flavor, or just like to switch it up, there are pros and cons to every kind. Here are some quick nutritional facts about each type to help you decide which is best for you. Animal-Based Milks  Whole Milk: The original diary drink. It gets a bad rap, but what whole milk has going for it, is that it’s in its proper nutritional form. Whole milk contains all of its original fat-soluble vitamins, A, E, D, & K, along with the fat to help you absorb them all. It also has the proper concentrations and ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids, or your omega-3s and omega-6s, so that they are metabolized as they should be. The downside is that whole milk is calorically dense, meaning that a little goes a long way. You don’t need much to get what you need, so just don’t overdo it!  2% Milk: The fat content of 2% milk is about half of that in who
Read more