Nov. 24, 2003 – A woman would double her risk of giving birth to a child with a neural tube defect if she consumes a lot of commercially prepared or sugary foods during pregnancy, say US researchers.
They come to this conclusion1 after comparing 454 women who gave birth to a child with such a defect, such as spina bifida, to 462 women who had a healthy child. Women who consumed the most foods with a high glycemic index (such as cooked carrots, white bread and honey) were twice as likely to have given birth to a sick child than those who did not. This risk was four times higher in obese women.
Researchers believe that the sudden arrival of large amounts of glucose in the body may be interfering with the development of the fetus, especially with the development of the bony tube that protects the spine.
Foods with a low glycemic index include fresh fruits, green vegetables, and whole wheat pasta. Numerous studies also show that taking folic acid supplements during pregnancy can protect the fetus against such malformations.
In the same vein, American researchers report that the planet is consuming more sugar than ever. Between 1962 and 2000, the average daily consumption of sweeteners increased by 74 calories, an increase of 32%.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Reuters Health and BBC News; November 24, 2003.
1. Shaw GM, Quach T, Nelson V, Carmichael SL, Schaffer DM, Selvin S, Yang W. Neural tube defects associated with maternal periconceptional dietary intake of simple sugars and glycemic index.Am J Clin Nutr 2003 Nov; 78 (5): 972-8.
