The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host’’. Probiotics support the health of the intestines and digestive system. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence that the consumption of probiotic supplements and probiotic source foods during pregnancy contributes to the health of both the mother and the baby.
Alleviates nausea, vomiting and constipation.
As a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy, changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome and deteriorations in gastrointestinal motility can cause nausea, vomiting and constipation. The beneficial effects of probiotics in reducing gastrointestinal system dysfunction alleviate nausea, vomiting and constipation, which are common problems during pregnancy.
Reduces the risk of developing allergic diseases in infants.
Intestinal microbiota has an important role in the risk of developing allergic diseases. Probiotics used during pregnancy reduce the risk of developing allergic diseases by regulating the baby’s microbiota through the mother’s gut microbiota.
Reduces the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is defined as glucose intolerance that first appears during pregnancy. Dysbiosis (impairment of intestinal microbiota balance) in the intestinal microbiota increases the risk of gestational diabetes. Consumption of probiotics during pregnancy reduces the risk of developing gestational diabetes by reducing insulin resistance and improving blood sugar control.
Harness the power of foods.
During pregnancy, the use of probiotic supplements is not necessary unless recommended by the physician. Regular consumption of probiotic-rich foods such as probiotic yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, mozzarella, and cottage cheese is sufficient to benefit from the beneficial effects of probiotics.
Don’t forget prebiotics.
Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that feed the beneficial bacteria in the intestines and help them multiply. For a healthy gut microbiota, regular consumption of not only probiotics but also prebiotic foods such as Jerusalem artichoke, celery, chicory, onion, garlic, leek, and artichoke is important.
Resources:
- Sheyholislami, H., & Connor, K. L. (2021). Are Probiotics and Prebiotics Safe for Use during Pregnancy and Lactation? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 13(7), 2382. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072382
- Gomez Arango, L. F., Barrett, H. L., Callaway, L. K., & Nitert, M. D. (2015). Probiotics and pregnancy. Current diabetes reports, 15(1), 567. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-014-0567-0
- Liu, A. T., Chen, S., Jena, P. K., Sheng, L., Hu, Y., & Wan, Y. Y. (2021). Probiotics Improve Gastrointestinal Function and Life Quality in Pregnancy. Nutrients, 13(11), 3931. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113931
- Colquitt, A. S., Miles, E. A., & Calder, P. C. (2022). Do Probiotics in Pregnancy Reduce Allergies and Asthma in Infancy and Childhood? A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 14(9), 1852. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091852
- Chen, Y., Li, Z., Tye, K. D., Luo, H., Tang, X., Liao, Y., Wang, D., Zhou, J., Yang, P., Li, Y., Su, Y., & Xiao, X. (2019). Probiotic Supplementation During Human Pregnancy Affects the Gut Microbiota and Immune Status. Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 9, 254. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2019.00254
- Zheng, J., Feng, Q., Zheng, S., & Xiao, X. (2018). The effects of probiotics supplementation on metabolic health in pregnant women: An evidence based meta-analysis. PloS one, 13(5), e0197771. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0197771
- Taylor, B. L., Woodfall, G. E., Sheedy, K. E., O’Riley, M. L., Rainbow, K. A., Bramwell, E. L., & Kellow, N. J. (2017). Effect of Probiotics on Metabolic Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 9(5), 461. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9050461
- Kuang, L., & Jiang, Y. (2020). Effect of probiotic supplementation in pregnant women: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. The British journal of nutrition, 123(8), 870–880. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114519003374
