Benefits of myo inositol and probiotics during pregnancy
Myo-inositol (also myo inositol) and probiotics are two supplements that have recently gained attention, with growing research highlighting the benefits of myo inositol for helping prevent gestational diabetes.
Myo-inositol during pregnancy
Myo-inositol is an essential vitamin-like nutrient that has a role in the body’s sensitivity to insulin. It is produced from glucose in the body and is rich in many foods such as fresh fruit, green vegetables, cereals, and nuts. Myo-inositol is also available as a nutritional supplement.
Recent research highlights the potential benefits of myo-inositol during pregnancy, particularly for supporting healthy insulin function and reducing the risk of gestational diabetes. Studies have demonstrated that myo-inositol can help lower the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women at risk by over 50%.
Probiotics during pregnancy
Probiotics are live microorganisms that inhabit our intestines. Probiotics are sometimes called “friendly bacteria” to distinguish them from bacteria that cause illness or infection. This is because they can control the “bad bacteria” in your gut and have shown plenty of health benefits. A healthy microbiome relies on a balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria. Research into probiotics during pregnancy suggests they may support digestive health, immune function, and even reduce the risk of certain pregnancy-related complications.
Foods with probiotics
Probiotics naturally occur in a variety of fermented foods, making them easy and delicious to include in your pregnancy diet. Common foods with probiotics include:
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Yogurt and yogurt drinks
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Fermented milk products (e.g., kefir, buttermilk)
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Sauerkraut and pickles
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Kimchi (a spicy, fermented Korean dish)
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Miso, tempeh, and soy drinks
Including these foods with probiotics can support your digestion and overall well-being during pregnancy.
You can also buy probiotics as a supplement in pharmacies and drugstores. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis active cultures have been found to lower blood glucose and help reduce GDM incidence.
Prevention of GDM with probiotics and myo inositol supplementation
Alongside other science-based tips, recent studies suggest that probiotic and myo inositol supplementation may lower the risk of gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and eczema.
Myo-inositol during pregnancy: Lower risk of GDM
A myo-inositol supplementation in combination with probiotics (L. rhamnosus and B. lactis) were clinically shown to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by over 60%.
Myo-inositol during pregnancy: Lower risk of preterm birth
A recent scientific study assessed the effects of a combination of myo-inositol, probiotics and micronutrients, consumed both before and during pregnancy. The nutritional supplements decreased the incidence of preterm birth – another globally increasing public health problem.
Probiotic supplements pregnancy: Lower risk of eczema
An analysis of reviews that included more than 4000 pregnant women concluded that taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy may also reduce the risk of eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Best probiotics during pregnancy
We recommend probiotic supplements with Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) and Bifidobacterium lactis, which are often considered among the best probiotics during pregnancy. Most studies show benefits when probiotics are taken during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Learn more about the prevention of gestational diabetes
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