Pregnant Women Eating High Gluten Diet Could Increase Their Children's Risk Of Diabetes, Study Finds | HuffPost Life

But don’t go changing your diet just yet, reassured the researchers.

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Reporter, HuffPost UK

Bread, pasta and cereal are staples of people’s everyday diets, but a new study suggests that women who have a high gluten diet during pregnancy could increase the risk of their children suffering from type 1 diabetes later down the line.

Previous research in this area had only studied animals, finding that animals with a gluten-free diet while pregnant “completely prevented” type 1 diabetes in their offspring - leading a team of international researchers to examine if this could also be true for humans.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), looked at the diets of 63,000 pregnant women in Denmark who were enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort between January 1996 and October 2002, and asked them to complete a food frequency questionnaire when they were at 25 weeks.

Stefka Pavlova via Getty Images

The amount of gluten the women ate ranged from 7g to 20g a day, averaging at 13g.

The researchers tracked the mothers and their children for a number of years after their children were born to see how many children developed type 1 diabetes. By 2016, 247 cases of type 1 diabetes had been recorded.

The risk of children developing the condition “increased proportionately” with the amount of gluten their mother ate while pregnant. The children whose mothers ate the most amount of gluten during pregnancy had the highest risk of developing diabetes - twice as much as the children of women who ate the lowest amount of gluten.

To be clear though the researchers said pregnant women should not be given dietary recommendations just yet, claiming more evidence is needed for that to happen.

“Given that the causal association between between maternal gluten intake and type 1 diabetes has not yet been established, it is too early to change dietary recommendations on gluten intake in pregnancy,” researchers from the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Finland said in a linked editorial.

They added that doctors, researchers and the public should be aware of the possibility that consuming large amounts of gluten might be harmful, but that further studies are needed to confirm or rule out these findings.

Lucy Trelfa, research communications officer at Diabetes UK, said the research is interesting, but that “this research does not show that gluten causes type 1 diabetes”, adding that it’s “far too early to say just how big a player gluten is”.

“Scientists are looking at a range of factors in our genes and our environment, like gluten, that might increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

“But how those factors work together, and their individual importance, is still unclear. We need to understand what causes type 1 diabetes if we’re to prevent it, and research like this takes us longer.”

Trelfa added that pregnant women do not need to make any lifestyle changes based on the research, and anyone concerned about their pregnancy should speak to a healthcare professional.

Additional reporting by PA.

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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