Maternal Ultra-Processed Food Intake May Affect Children's Long-Term Health: Study

What a mother eats during pregnancy may influence her child's health for years to come, and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are under growing scrutiny. A new review published in Nutrients suggests that eating large amounts of UPFs during pregnancy and early childhood is consistently associated with poorer maternal health and less favorable outcomes for children, although current evidence does not prove these foods directly cause these problems.

Researchers reviewed 84 published studies examining the effects of UPFs, including packaged snacks, sugary drinks, ready-made meals, processed cereals, and baked goods. They found that pregnant women who consumed more UPFs generally had poorer diet quality, with lower intake of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, and higher intake of salt, unhealthy fats, and added sugars.

Higher UPF intake was linked to excessive pregnancy weight gain, obesity, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, inflammation, and postpartum weight retention. Some studies also associated greater consumption with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms during pregnancy.

The review also highlighted the role of the gut microbiome. Ingredients commonly found in UPFs, such as refined sugars, emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, and saturated fats, may disrupt beneficial gut bacteria, increase intestinal permeability, and promote chronic low-grade inflammation. These changes could influence both maternal health and the infant's developing immune system.

Early exposure to UPFs was associated with a higher risk of childhood obesity, unfavorable cholesterol levels, chronic inflammation, food allergies, and anemia. One study also linked higher maternal UPF intake during late pregnancy with poorer verbal skills in children aged 4–5 years.

However, the authors emphasize that most evidence is observational, meaning it cannot establish cause and effect. They recommend reducing UPF consumption during pregnancy and early childhood while encouraging balanced, nutrient-rich diets and breastfeeding whenever possible.

REFERENCE: López-Yerena, A., Pinto, V., Stella, B. M., Yaşar, E., Camafort, M., Vives-Giralt, M. Q., Casanovas-Garriga, F., Ruiz-Leon, A. M., Estruch, R., & Casas, R. (2026). Unhealthy Diets, Unhealthy Futures: How Modern Eating Patterns Endanger Maternal and Offspring Health. Nutrients. 18(14). DOI: 10.3390/nu18142320.