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A simple diet switch during pregnancy can help improve a baby’s long-term heart health, Australian researchers have discovered.

Monash University researchers have found that eating a high-fibre diet during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in offspring, revealing a powerful link between what a mum eats while pregnant, and her child’s heart health for years to come.

“Dietary fibre, which is found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is well-known for its health benefits,” said lead researcher Professor Francine Marques, from the Monash University School of Biological Sciences.

“Our research shows that its impact extends beyond the mother, and can shape the development of her child’s heart,” she said.

The research fed a high-fibre diet to pregnant mice and discovered that it led to healthier gut and gut bacteria in both mum and baby, reduced inflammation in the child’s heart and less scaring.

“Our work also sheds light on how fibre exerts its protective effects across generations,” Professor Marques said.

“Fibre promotes the production of beneficial molecules called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut.

“These SCFAs travel through the mother’s bloodstream and cross the placenta during development, where they can influence gene activity in the heart, leading to healthier heart development.”

So why is this so significant?

Because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.

“This research suggests that a simple dietary change during pregnancy could have lifelong benefits for children,” Professor Marques said.

“Our work adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of a healthy diet during pregnancy.

“Expectant mothers are encouraged to discuss their diet with their healthcare providers to ensure they are getting enough fibre to support their own health and the health of their babies.”

The researchers plan to continue exploring the links between maternal diet, gut health and cadiovascular disease.

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  • Always good to have the latest health information.

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  • Gotta always put your baby first to give it the best chance in life. Love the advice.

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  • I hope all parents to be look after their health and eat right to give their little one the best start to life.

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  • Always smart to look after yourself and your body when you are growing another! A very simple dietary change to try to help your unborn child – seems like a no brainer.

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  • I don’t think I’ve ever eaten as healthily as I did when I was pregnant.

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  • Always good to eat healthy when pregnant! Baby needs all the good stuff it can get.

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  • I have read several pieces of research that supports the fact it is very important what a mother is consuming during pregnancy. As the years go by and more research is done this is further evidenced

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  • I have read this report from Monash University and do agree that what we as mothers eat during our pregnancies does make a huge difference to our children. Eating healthily throughout one’s life is definitely the way to go for everyone, and extra fibre has a significant benefit to all our lives.

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  • Eating a healthy diet is essential, not just when you’re pregnant

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  • Eating healthier is always going to be a great thing for a baby

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  • Obviously a healthy diet is best for mother and baby but it’s not always possible to keep much down during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy for some and even longer for others. I just hope that studies like this don’t make expectant mothers feel even worse.

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  • This is great in theory but as someone who experienced hyperemesis for the entire 9 months I was unable to keep most foods down and was instructed to eat whatever I could.

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  • A healthy diet is good for everything.

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  • I always eat foods high in fibre.


    • Me too, we all do in our family



      • Foods with fibre are filling and so good for energy too.

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  • Not only during pregnancy, I always eat a high fiber diet

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  • This is a fantastic report. Such an easy thing to change in your diet to help your unborn babies heart health.

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  • Always good to be cautious and easy better whilst pregnant but also in general. It can get hard at times with cravings but I don’t think that usually lasts the whole pregnancy!

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  • I wish I’d known this when I was pregnant.

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  • Eating more fruits and vegetables is beneficial to everyone, especially if you’re pregnant.

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  • I think further studies are needed and a discussion with your health care professional would be recommended as they advised above. Eating healthy during pregnancy is the best way to go however it is important to always seek medical advice before changing a diet as not everything works for everyone.

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