Dietary patterns and inflammatory cytokine levels in healthy adult and adolescent women, whether pregnant or not: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the dietary pattern of healthy adult and adolescent women, pregnant and non-pregnant, and relate this profile to clinical and laboratory characteristics.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out with 40 women who met the selection criteria: 10 non-pregnant adults, 10 pregnant adults, 10 non-pregnant adolescents, and 10 pregnant adolescents. Dietary data were collected using a registration form, a 24-h recall, and a food frequency questionnaire. Serum levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α were determined by capture ELISA.

Results: The majority of women were married (22.5%), had completed high school (57.5%), and were white (47.5%). Overall, only one (10%) pregnant adult reported smoking. Dietary supplement use was reported by eight (80%) pregnant adults, four (40%) pregnant adolescents, two (20%) non-pregnant adolescents, and no non-pregnant adults. Pregnant adolescents had a higher intake of omega-3 when compared to pregnant adults and non-pregnant adults (p=0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Pregnant adolescents consumed less minimally processed foods than pregnant adults, non-pregnant adults, and non-pregnant adolescents (p=0.008, 0.019, and 0.024, respectively). Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 did not show statistical differences among the four groups (p=0.229 and 0.440, respectively).

Conclusions: The dietary patterns of healthy adult and adolescent women, whether pregnant or not, were similar, with pregnant adolescents having a higher intake of omega-3. Pregnant adolescents ate less in natura (minimally processed) food than all the other women.