Diet during pregnancy is closely related to the levels of fat in the newborn baby. The type of life that the mother has directly influences factors that involve the size and adiposity of the child.
A study published in the Nutrition Journal carefully scrutinized all the details that could influence baby fat levels, not just body size or parental genetics.
The reason for the study: the fat accumulated in the abdomen
The researchers were especially concerned about body fat known as visceral adipose tissue, or what is the same: the fat that accumulates around the abdomen. This type of fat is the one that is related to cardiovascular problems, even in newborns.
In the study participated 542 mother-child pairs. These pairs were divided into two groups: one received dietary advice to introduce low glycemic index carbohydrate sources during pregnancy; On the other hand, the second group did not obtain No advice or guidelines on diet.
The scientists took into account all the relevant details about the parents, information about work and diet. Once the babies were born, height, weight, limb measurements, body circumference and percentage of fat were measured.
Smoking, mother's age and diet are key factors
There are several factors that affected the measurements of newborns. Smoke was the most significant factor, as babies of smoking parents had more fat.
Also influences mother's age. The older you get, it seems that body fat levels can increase. Although it is also necessary to take into account the great impact that food has, since it was observed that the greater the fat intake in the mother during pregnancy, the more fat the baby had.
Obviously, fat is essential for the proper development of the baby, especially when it comes to the brain. Scientists reiterate that healthy dietary fat is not the enemy, although it is true that the amount matters.
The consumption of low glycemic index foods, and it was proven that eating quality food makes babies healthier.