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Association between protein intake and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies

Razieh Tabaeifard, Maedeh Moradi, P. Arzhang, L. Azadbakht

Clinical Nutrition, 2024

24,160 participants · 8 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common condition in pregnancy, the prevalence of which has increased. Identifying modifiable risk factors for GDM, such as dietary factors, could prevent or delay the onset of the condition. Our goal was to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of cohort studies, to summarize the current evidence on the relationship between total, animal, and plant protein intake during pregnancy, as well as pre-pregnancy protein intake, and the risk of GDM.

METHODS

A literature search was completed using Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to January 2023 and references of retrieved relevant articles. Observational studies examining the association between the consumption of dietary protein from different sources in pre-pregnancy or/and during pregnancy and the risk of GDM were included. To combine effect sizes for the comparison between the highest and lowest categories of protein intake, a random effects model was utilized. Dose-response relationships were investigated using a 1-stage random-effects model.

RESULTS

8 observational studies were included in the systematic review and 5 prospective cohort studies in the meta-analysis, involving a total of 24,160 participants and 2450 cases of GDM. The analysis revealed a significant association between total protein intake during pregnancy and an elevated risk of GDM (relative risk (RR): 2.24, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.67-3.00, P = 0.000). Conversely, no significant…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 24,160 participants or records.

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