Postpartum intervention to promote mediterranean diet adherence, cardiometabolic health, and microbiome modulation: A randomized study protocol
Juliana Morais, Carlota Gonçalves, Ana F. Ferreira, Adelino Leite-Moreira, Carla Ramalho, Benedita Sampaio-Maia, Inês Falcão-PiresBACKGROUND:
The rising prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders during women’s reproductive years highlights the need for effective strategies to improve nutritional literacy. To evaluate whether dietary education sessions can improve the MedDiet adherence score, cardiometabolic outcomes, and fecal microbiota in pregnant women with cardiovascular risk factors.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
This protocol outlines a pilot randomized controlled trial (1:1) involving an initial face-to-face education session supported by a 13-page manual at the 3 rd trimester and five monthly e-mail newsletters. Fifty-two participants will be followed up at 1, 6 and 12 months postpartum to evaluate the changes in MedDiet adherence scores. Other evaluations include preconception weight recovery, cardiac remodeling, and changes in glycemia, blood pressure, biomarkers, and fecal microbiota. Secondary outcomes are the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and transition to complementary feeding.
CONCLUSION:
The findings of this pilot study will contribute to the development of an evidence-based nutritional education tool designed to improve maternal health outcomes, with potential applicability for both health professionals and pregnant and postpartum women.