(348) Is insufficient prenatal protein consumption a risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes? A prospective multicenter study

During pregnancy, there is an increase in nutritional requirements, including the macronutrient Protein, to maintain maternal metabolism while supporting fetal growth and development.  Studies in low and middle income countries have suggested that insufficient protein consumption is associated with low birthweight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA). The aim of the current study was to study the association between insufficient protein consumption and adverse pregnancy outcomes in a high-income country.

Study Design:

A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted, in which pregnant women completed a detailed food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) regarding their dietary habits during pregnancy. The adequacy of protein consumption was defined based on the international Recommended Dietary Allowance, which are 1.1 g of protein/kg/day among pregnant women. The following pregnancy outcomes were compared between women with sufficient and insufficient protein consumption ( >1.1 or < 1.1 protein/kg/day): SGA, LBW, preterm deliveries (PTD), gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension and  anemia. Multivariable logistic models were used to study the association between the study groups and each adverse pregnancy outcome, while adjusting for pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age.

Results:

The study included 219 women who fully completed the FFQ, of which 29.7% (n=65) were with insufficient protein consumption. Insufficient protein consumption was not associated with socioeconomic status or age, however women with insufficient protein consumption were more likely to be overweight (BMI > 25). Insufficient protein consumption was not associated with  the studied adverse pregnancy outcomes (Table), including PTD and LBW. The multivariable models have revealed similar results (adj.OR=2.18; 95%CI 0.69-6.84 and adj.OR=0.70; 95%CI 0.19-2.62, for PTD and LBW respectively).

Conclusion:

Insufficient protein consumption in high income countries may not be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, further research is recommended regarding the protein quality rather than its quantity.