Dietary fiber and blueberry intervention lowers gestational weight gain and C-reactive protein in women at high risk for gestational diabetes

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of GDM has been shown to be higher in specific ethnicities (e.g. Asian, Black and Hispanic origin vs. non-Hispanic whites), who also disproportionately carry the burden of obesity, low socioeconomic status, and nutritional disparities as prominent risks. Dietary bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and fiber have been shown to play an important role in the management of diabetes, but there is a lack of studies in GDM. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of a 20-week dietary intervention (blueberry +soluble fiber) vs. control (standard prenatal care) on gestational weight gain and cardio-metabolic parameters in high-risk Hispanic women with obesity and previous history of GDM. Women [n=25; BMI: 36.3±4.3 (means±SD] were recruited in early pregnancy (14±4 weeks gestation), and data were collected at baseline (< 20wk), 24-28wk and at 32-36wk gestation. Those in the intervention group were provided with frozen blueberries (2 cups/day) and soluble fiber (12g/day); both groups received nutrition education based on Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Results: The prevalence of GDM was observed as follows: one in the dietary intervention (n=12; 8%) and three in standard care group (n=13; 23%). Gestational weight gain and serum C-reactive protein was significantly lower in the dietary intervention vs. standard care (16.5&#177;9.2lb vs. 27.0&#177;11.3lb, respectively; 7.0&#177;3.1 mg/L vs. 17.0&#177;10.2 mg/L, respectively, mean&#177;SD, all p<0.05). Conclusions: Dietary strategies that increase fiber and fruit intake may ameliorate excess gestational weight gain and subsequently reduce the risk of GDM in obese women with previous history of GDM.