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Open Access 16-03-2022 | Mood Disorders

Associations of Mediterranean diet with psychological ill-being and well-being throughout the pregnancy course: The GESTAFIT project

Authors: Marta Flor-Alemany, Laura Baena-García, Jairo H. Migueles, Pontus Henriksson, Marie Löf, Virginia A. Aparicio

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 9/2022

Abstract

Purpose

The relation between diet and maternal mental health during pregnancy might be relevant to prevent adverse materno-foetal outcomes. This study examined the association of Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence and MD components with mental health during pregnancy.

Methods

This secondary analysis of the GESTAFIT trial included longitudinal data from 152 pregnant women. Dietary habits were assessed with a food frequency questionnaire, and MD adherence was derived from it using the Mediterranean Food pattern. Psychological ill-being (i.e., negative affect, anxiety, and depression) and well-being (i.e., emotional intelligence, resilience, positive affect) were assessed with the Spanish version of well-established self-reported questionnaires. Cross-sectional (16th gestational week [g.w.]) and longitudinal associations (34th g.w.) between MD and mental health were studied using linear regression models.

Results

A greater MD adherence was inversely associated with negative affect and anxiety; and positively associated with emotional regulation, resilience and positive affect at the 16th and 34th g.w. (|β| ranging from 0.179 to 0.325, all p < 0.05). Additionally, a higher intake of whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts, and a lower intake of red meat and subproducts and sweets were associated with lower negative affect, anxiety, depression and higher emotional regulation, resilience and positive affect throughout gestation (|β| ranging from 0.168 to 0.415, all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

A higher intake of whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts, together with a lower intake of red meat and sweets, resulted in a higher MD adherence, which was associated with a better mental health during pregnancy.

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Title: Associations of Mediterranean diet with psychological ill-being and well-being throughout the pregnancy course: The GESTAFIT project
Authors: Marta Flor-Alemany
Laura Baena-García
Jairo H. Migueles
Pontus Henriksson
Marie Löf
Virginia A. Aparicio
Publication date: 16-03-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
Miscarriage
Anxiety
Published in: Quality of Life Research / Issue 9/2022
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-022-03121-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Associations of Mediterranean diet with psychological ill-being and well-being throughout the pregnancy course: The GESTAFIT project

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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