Impact of vegan diet on pregnancy outcome

Abstract

Background

Over the last decade, research has produced overwhelming evidence confirming the beneficial impact of vegan diet on health, as well as on implementation in the communicable disease prevention. Despite its various advantages, it may lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can have adverse effects on the human body.

Aim

The objective of this paper was to raise awareness of the potential risks associated with an imbalanced vegan diet during pregnancy and its impact on obstetric outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive data analysis was conducted, focusing on the roles of nutrients that are often deficient in a vegan diet. The paper is based on a critical analysis of literature from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Elsevier, and academic textbooks.

Findings

The analysis of scientific studies showed that during pregnancy, there is an increased demand for specific nutrients that are often deficient in a vegan diet (protein, individual amino acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, iron, calcium, iodine, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B12). Literature data confirmed that long-term cobalamin deficiency leads to serious health consequences such as: megaloblastic anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia and methylmalonic acidosis. Prevention of these disorders involves vitamin B12 supplementation.

Conclusion

A vegan diet can be safely followed during pregnancy if it is properly balanced and supplemented under the supervision of medical personnel. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly of vitamin B12, can negatively affect the course of pregnancy and obstetric outcomes.