Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid consuming highly processed foods as a common additive can harm the health of their children, warn researchers. The scientists caution against vegetarian and vegan products that are often considered healthy. Highly processed foods undergo several processing steps and usually contain additives that improve their shelf life and taste. However, various studies have shown that these foods are not entirely safe for health as they can accelerate aging and promote obesity. Researchers at the University of Barcelona have published a study suggesting that pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid highly processed foods as they often contain emulsifiers. Previous studies have linked the consumption of emulsifiers to increased risks of inflammation in the gut, obesity, and other health problems.
According to their publication in the journal PLOS Biology, the researchers gave laboratory mice water that was mixed with the emulsifiers carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80, which are commonly found in many foods. Other mice were given only normal water. The researchers found that the offspring of the mice that consumed emulsifiers had an increased risk of certain health problems, such as mild metabolic, cognitive, and psychological impairments. “Maternal consumption of emulsifiers could influence the health of babies by leading to mild metabolic disorders, anxiety-like states, and cognitive impairments,” said Marc Claret, one of the researchers.
To understand the exact effects of emulsifiers on pregnant and breastfeeding women, the researchers plan to conduct further studies. Nevertheless, they caution against consuming highly processed foods, especially those that are considered healthy, such as some vegetarian and vegan products. The study highlights the importance of being mindful of what we eat, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it can have a significant impact on the health of our children.
