Fact Check: Can Eating Tomatoes Before Lunch In Pregnancy Help To Ensure Healthy Baby developement?

The claim that Having Tomatoes in Afternoon Before Lunch in pregnancy ensures baby develops healthy bones, teeth, and gum thats is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that having tomatoes in pregnancy before lunch ensures that baby develops healthy body parts. A post by healthis_care  says that just by having one tomato in the afternoon before lunch in pregnancy helps to ensure baby develops healthy bones, teeth, and gums. The post further claims that It also Improves Digestion. The post then recommends to only eat pure vegetarian food daily. The post has 17,013 likes and can be accessed here. 

Fact Check

This claim is FALSE. Tomatoes in Afternoon Before Lunch in pregnancy cannot ensure healthy development of mentioned baby body parts .

Nutritional Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are widely consumed globally due to their rich content of essential nutrients and antioxidants. They provide a variety of minerals, vitamins, proteins, essential amino acids (such as leucine, threonine, and lysine), monounsaturated fatty acids (like linoleic and linolenic acids), carotenoids (including lycopene and β-carotenoids), and phytosterols (such as β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol). Lycopene, the key carotenoid found in tomatoes and tomato-based products, has been linked to reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive decline, and osteoporosis. The antioxidants in tomatoes help protect the body from oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing damage to vital biomolecules such as membrane lipids, proteins, and DNA. Consequently, regular consumption of tomatoes can enhance the body's antioxidant levels and mitigate oxidative stress-related conditions.

About Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the period during which a fetus develops in a woman's uterus, typically lasting around 40 weeks, divided into three trimesters. It begins with conception, when a sperm fertilizes an egg, forming a zygote that implants in the uterine wall. In the second trimester (week 13-28), movement can be felt by week 20, and the fetus has developed fingerprints by week 24. By week 28, the survival rate for premature infants is 92%, though complications may occur. In the third trimester (weeks 29-40), bones are nearly fully formed by week 32, and full-term infants, born between weeks 39 and 40, have better health outcomes compared to those born earlier or later. Infants born between weeks 37-38 are "early term," while those born after week 42 are considered post-term.

Can Eating Tomatoes In Pregnancy Before Lunch Help To Ensure a Healthy Baby?

Although there are studies that have been shown benefits of tomatoes in pregnnant women, there is no scientific evidence found that eating tomatoes before lunch in the afternoon during pregnancy helps to ensure a healthy baby.

Tomatoes has been a subject for study particularly in pregnant women, A study conducted by Fadlilah et. al. revealed that consuming tomato-based cookies significantly improves hemoglobin (Hb) levels in pregnant women. This intervention offers a promising alternative for the prevention and management of anemia during pregnancy. Pregnant women may benefit from incorporating tomato cookies into their diet alongside iron supplements for enhanced results.

Tomatoes have also genenral health benefits. In review paper published by Edward J. Collins et. al. Tomatoes have shown to provide numerous health benefits, including protection against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and diabetes. It also promotes gut health, improve skin condition, enhances fertility, strengthens the immune system, and supports recovery after exercise. 

We could not locate any study that linked the consumption of tomatoes by pregnant woman to healthy development of offspring that too on consumption before lunch as stated in the Claim 

Dr Smriti Uppal, MBBS, MD, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Smriti Maternity Home, Delhi responded to the claim and she explained, "As a doctor, I often hear various claims about certain foods guaranteeing a healthy pregnancy, and one such claim is that eating tomatoes can ensure a healthy baby. While tomatoes are indeed a nutritious and beneficial part of a well-rounded diet, it’s important to understand that no single food can guarantee the health of your baby. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins like A and C, along with antioxidants like lycopene, which can support your immune system and overall health during pregnancy. They can certainly be a great addition to a balanced meal plan. However, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and baby involves much more than eating one specific food. It requires a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients, regular prenatal check-ups, staying physically active as advised by your doctor, and following proper medical guidance. While tomatoes are good for you, they alone can’t prevent complications or ensure your baby’s health. Pregnancy is a crucial time, and while diet plays an essential role, it’s crucial to focus on overall lifestyle choices. Always consult with your doctor to build a healthy plan that’s right for you and your baby."

Dr Divya Tripathi, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies said, "Tomatoes are a fantastic addition to any diet, including during pregnancy. They're packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, which boosts immunity and aids in iron absorption, and vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and skin. Tomatoes are also rich in antioxidants like lycopene, known for reducing inflammation and protecting against cell damage. Including tomatoes in your meals can contribute to overall wellness by promoting heart health, improving digestion, and supporting the body’s ability to fight oxidative stress. However, it's important to note that while tomatoes are nutritious, they do not have a specific impact on pregnancy outcomes. Eating tomatoes alone cannot prevent complications or guarantee a healthy pregnancy. They are best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods. A healthy pregnancy is supported by good overall nutrition, regular prenatal care, and lifestyle choices. It is important to consult a dietician for a diet plan to meet the nutritional requirements."

There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that eating tomatoes before lunch during pregnancy ensures a healthy baby. While tomatoes offer several health benefits, including protection against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and diabetes, as well as supporting gut health, improving skin, enhancing fertility, boosting immunity, and aiding in exercise recovery, they do not specifically influence pregnancy outcomes and development of offspring. A study has shown that consuming tomato-based cookies can significantly increase hemoglobin levels, especially when combined with iron supplements. However, there is no evidence to support the claim that eating tomatoes before lunch can benefit during pregnancy or guarantee a healthy baby or development of its certain body parts .

Medical Dialogues Final Take

While tomatoes offer numerous health benefits, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that eating tomatoes in the afternoon before lunch in pregnancy helps to ensure a healthy baby. They contribute to overall health but do not have a direct impact on pregnancy outcomes.

Thus, the claim that Eating Tomatoes before lunch In Pregnancy Help To Ensure that baby develops healthy bones, teeth, and gums is FALSE.