Does Vegetarianism in Pregnancy Risk Mom and Baby?

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vegetarianism-in-pregnancy-risks-nutrient-deficiency

Fatty acid composition is highly relevant to mental health, hormonal balance, and fetal growth. A growing body of literature supports the role of omega 3 fatty acids in mitigating the toxic effects of Standard American Diet-induced membrane toxicity. One of the risks of a vegetarian diet may be limited sources of preformed long chain fatty acids such as DHA and EPA which may have psychiatric and/or obstetrical consequences.

  • This study assessed cord levels of DHA and EPA in vegetarian vs ominvorous women blood samples.
  • Duration of labor, birth weight, head circumference, and length were lower in the vegetarian cohort.
  • DHA levels did not independently correlate; however, which suggests that there are a variety of lifestyle contributors to these observed outcomes.

Limitations of a vegan and possibly a vegetarian diet include: preformed vitamin A, which many women are not able to effectively synthesize, and K2 and B12 available from animal products.

Read the study which explores the risks of vegetarianism in pregnancy.

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About Dr. Kelly Brogan

KELLY BROGAN, MD, is a holistic psychiatrist, author of the New York Times Bestselling book, A Mind of Your OwnOwn Your Self, the children’s book, A Time For Rain, and co-editor of the landmark textbook Integrative Therapies for Depression. She is the founder of the online healing program Vital Mind Reset, and the membership community, Vital Life Project. She completed her psychiatric training and fellowship at NYU Medical Center after graduating from Cornell University Medical College, and has a B.S. from M.I.T. in Systems Neuroscience. She is specialized in a root-cause resolution approach to psychiatric syndromes and symptoms. Learn More