Maternal dietary components in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus: a review of observational studies to timely promotion of health

There is ample evidence that considers diet an important factor in the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this review is to synthesise the evidence between GDM and maternal dietary components. We performed a systematic bibliographic search in Medline, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs) and the Latin American Nutrition Archive (ALAN) for regional and local literature, limiting the searches to observational studies published between 2016 and 2021. Search terms related to nutrients, foods, dietary patterns and the relationship to GDM risk were included. The review included 35 articles, 9 of which were located in América. The articles about maternal dietary components were as follows: 16 for nutrient intake, 4 for food intake, 2 combined nutrient and food analysis and 13 for dietary patterns. Iron, processed meat and a low carbohydrate diet were positively associated with GDM. Antioxidant nutrients, folic acid, fruits, vegetables, legumes and eggs were negatively associated with GDM. Generally, western dietary patterns increase GDM risk and prudent dietary patterns decrease the risk. The importance of a healthy diet early in life and during pregnancy needs to be addressed in clinical practice to anticipate the development of complications, enabling skilled nutrition professionals to act in a timely manner to promote healthy lifestyles.