NutriNews: Nutrition and Fetal Health

U N I V E R S I T Y O F N O R T H F L O R I D A
• F E B U R A R Y 2 0 2 2 •
N U T R I T I O N A N D F E T A L H E A L T H
NUTRINEWS
COVID CORNER
Distinguishing the
Variants
MONTHLY HACKS
Eating for a healthy
pregnancy
SPORTS NUTRITION
Exercise and pregnancy: is it
safe?

2
COVID CORNER
Distinguishing the Variants
9
RESEARCH
ROUNDUP
An interview with
Mariana Marques.
23
NUTRITION
RESEARCH
What is Fetal
Programming? And
What Does it Mean for
Mothers?
Table of Contents
5
MYTH-BUSTING
Old Wives Tales Say: Eat
This! But Definitely Don’t Eat
That!
12
STUDENT
SPOTLIGHT
An interview with Robin
Lee
25
THE LUNCH BOX
Recipes aimed toward
pregnant or lactating
women
8
FOOD SCIENCE
Nutrition & Fetal Health
17
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
An interview with Dr.
Ali
28
MONTHLY HACKS
Eating for a healthy
pregnancy
32
SPORTS
NUTRITION
Exercise and
pregnancy: is it safe?
35
NUTRINEWS
STAFF
Meet our staff!

2
UNF COVID CORNER
B Y : S O F I E V A N M O O R L E G H E M
HAPPY FEBRUARY MY HEALTHY OSPREYS!
We are officially back into the swing of the new year and new semester! By now, our school
blues have been whisked away and we cannot wait till spring break and summer to be upon us.
However, we cannot allow ourselves to relax just yet, even though we have the privilege of
being back on campus for another semester, COVID-19 is still around and spreading. I am sure
that many of you have heard about different terms like “variant,” “omicron,” and “mutation” as
they are constantly broadcast on every news network. These can be confusing and often nervewracking
as not much is known and information about the pandemic status is changing daily.
Yet, as there is more than one variant spreading in the United States now, it is valuable to
recognize the differences between Omicron, Delta, and the original COVID-19 virus.
Distinguishing the Variants:
Original COVID-19 Virus1:
SARS-CoV-2 or the virus that causes COVID-
19 is like every other virus and is always
changing and mutating its genetic code.
This is how new variants emerge, some
variants do not make the cut and disappear,
but sometimes they are strong enough and
will continue to spread, replacing previous
variants. The most common misconception I
see is the public believing there are only the
two variants as that is the ones that the
news is discussing.e public believing there
are only the two variants as that is the ones
that the news is discussing. However, there
are about ten mutations of the virus, but
some are just less strong or have the same
transmissibility as the original virus, so it is
no cause for concern. Only when there are
breakthrough viruses, like delta and
omicron, they are mentioned in the news.To
track and identify the differing SARS-CoV-2
variants, the CDC1 uses genomic
surveillance, which works to take the SARS-
CoV-2 varieties for sequencing through the
National SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance
(NS3) program where the virus’s genetic
sequences are investigated and
distinguished as a particular variant. Using
local and national labs, thousands of
sequences are examined every week
through CDC’s national genomic sequencing
and bioinformatics efforts to aid in
identifying and monitoring the spread of the
different variants.

3
Delta 2:
This variant was first identified in India and
when it was originally found, it was
spreading more quickly and easily than the
other variants causing more severe cases of
infection. The vaccine is found to respond to
this variant however there are breakthrough
infections in people who are fully
vaccinated. Yet, vaccines are necessary for
preventing severe illness, hospitalizations,
and death. Evidence found that fully
vaccinated people infected with the Delta
variant can still spread the virus to others
and therefore it is still important to wear a
mask and stay six feet apart. The delta
variant is currently the most active form of
the virus in the United States, but Omicron is
becoming more active.
Yet, breakthrough infections can happen, so
it is important to stay alert, stand six feet
apart, and wear a mask. The emergence of a
new variant, like Omicron, just shows the
importance of getting your vaccine and
further booster so we can finally stop the
spread of COVID-19.
UNF still expects everyone to get
vaccinated, wear a mask on campus, and
stay home for 14 days if they feel any
symptoms of COVID-19. Remember, we are
all in this together and all count on each
other in hopes of stopping the spread.
Omicron3:
The newest variant was first found in South
Africa and has been found to spread faster
and easier than other variants, including
Delta. Not much is known in terms of severe
illness and hospitalization by the CDC as the
virus is still new and the effect of the variant
is still being analyzed. However, similarly to
the delta variant, the CDC currently expects
that whether vaccinated or not, the Omicron
variant can still be spread to others,
although the current vaccines are still
expected to protect against severe illness,
hospitalizations, and deaths due to the virus.
esources:
1. CDC. COVID Data Tracker. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. Published March 28, 2020.
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variantproportions
2. CDC. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. Published February
11, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/variants/about-
3. CDC. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. Published February 11,
2020.. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html

B L A C K
H I S T O R Y
M O N T H
F e b r u a r y
4

Let's Celebrate February 1st!!
NATIONAL
FREEDOM
DAY
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NUTRITION & FETAL HEALTH
By: Samantha Dill
Pregnancy and alcohol both involve bottles, but only
one should be sipped from during gestation. Alcohol
was recommended by doctors for pregnant women for
pain relief as recently as the 1960s.1 However, the
recognition of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in 1973
showed that consumption of alcohol during pregnancy
can cause birth defects, such as facial deformities, in
addition to stunted growth and development. In
response to these findings, the Alcoholic Beverage
Labeling Act was passed in 1988. The act stated that
alcoholic beverages in the US must be labeled with a
government warning that women should not consume
alcohol during pregnancy due to an increased risk of
birth defects.
A political concern related to pregnancy occurred
during World War II in England. A declining population
and rations encouraged the passing of the National
Milk Scheme in Britain in 1940 to combat vitamin
deficiency through free and/or discounted milk.3 The
Vitamin Welfare Scheme was enacted shortly after and
distributed free and/or discounted orange juice and
cod liver oil. Maternal mortality declined shortly after.
Nowadays, science has evolved more towards intake to fuel the body to support another being versus prioritizing
pain relief for the host or basic nutritional needs. It has been recognized that women have greater energy needs
during pregnancy. The recommended dietary intake for nutrients such as α-linolenic acid and thiamin for pregnant
women is 25% higher than their nonpregnant counterparts, while protein and vitamin B6 needs are 50% higher.2
Nutrient needs vary based on the stage of pregnancy due to the variety of functions nutrients have in tissue
development and changes in maternal homeostasis. For instance, in the second and third trimesters, an additional
340-450 kilocalories are needed to support fetal development. Energy needs during this time can also depend on
other factors such as pre-pregnancy weight, activity level, and composition of weight gain. On average, a pregnant
woman needs 85,000 additional calories during pregnancy; this is the equivalent of 300 added calories daily. Overall,
it is important to note that the mother is eating for two.
REFERENCES
1. GUNTER, J. DRINKING WHILE PREGNANT: AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH. THE NEW YORK TIMES WEBSITE. HTTPS://WWW.NYTIMES.COM/2019/02/05/STYLE/DRINKING-WHILE-
PREGNANT.HTML. PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 5, 2019.
2. LAMMI-KEEFE CJ, COUCH SC, PHILIPSON EH. HANDBOOK OF NUTRITION AND PREGNANCY. HUMANA PRESS; 2008. DOI:10.1007/978-1-59745-112-3.
3. SULTAN N. DIET IN PREGNANCY, 1930–1960: A SHIFTING SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND SCIENTIFIC CONCERN. MEDICAL HUMANITIES. 2010;36(2):118-15. DOI:10.1136/JMH.2010.005496.
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RESEARCH
Written by Laura Rogers
ROUNDUP
With many professors on campus conducting
research comes a great need for research
assistants. Therefore, it is beneficial quite a few
graduate degrees have research requirements.
Also, with increasing educational demands of
several fields warrants undergrads to obtain
research experience prior to grad school.
However, for the experience to be of quality
deems the student’s passions to be aligned
with the study conducted; simply checking the
box off a list of requirements will not be of
significant benefit to anyone involved.
Mariana Marques was interviewed to get the
inside scoop of UNF research from a student’s
perspective:
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
By 2002, over 21 million Type 1s had been
produced, but by 2003, annual production had
dropped to 30,000 from a peak of 1.3 million in
1971. VW announced the end of production in
June 2003, citing decreasing demand, and the final
original Type 1 VW Beetle (No. 21,529,464) rolled
off the production line at Puebla, Mexico, on 30
July 2003.
9

What type of research are you involved in?
I am currently a graduate assistant at the
University and working under the supervision of
Dr. Kerry Clark. The focus of his research is on
Ticks and Tick-borne diseases.
What are your roles within the research
team?
I am responsible for assisting Dr. Clark with
setting up PCR tests, which basically help amplify
DNA of pathogens in samples. Besides that, I also
help with basic laboratory duties, such as making
gels for the electrophoresis procedures, mixing
primers for the PCR tests, and so on.
What are the measurable parameters of
this work?
Through this work, we are able to identify
geographic locations where tick borne diseases
might be prevalent. We can also match DNA
sequences to identify which pathogens are being
carried and which ones are not.
What are the anticipated outcomes/what
are the main goals of this study?
The main goals/outcomes of this study are to
obtain evidence of the presence and magnitude of
tick-borne diseases in Florida and other
surrounding states. Dr. Clark was the first to
identify Lyme disease in lizards both in Florida and
South Carolina. He also happens to be the first to
identify Borrelia species infections in Lyme
patients in the US. His contributions to the field of
environmental health are really unmatched.
What has been the highlight of this
experience overall?
Graduate assistantship opportunities are
invaluable to anyone who wishes to pursue a
career in research and academia. I was also lucky
enough to be paired with someone who inspires
me and whose work I admire. Being able to learn
so much while also making significant
contributions to this work has definitely been the
highlight of my experience.
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Did you have any research experience
during your undergrad?
During my undergraduate years, I acquired
laboratory techniques knowledge that help me
perform everyday work, but I did not have any
previous research experience. Graduate
assistantship positions are definitely attainable
even with no previous experience so long as you
are able to show you interests, how you would
benefit from being a graduate assistant, and how
you'd be able to contribute, not only to the faculty
members but to the department as a whole.
Do you have any advice for those pursuing
graduate-level research?
Graduate level research is as challenging as it is
rewarding. Spots are very limited so to anyone
who is interested in becoming a graduate
assistant, I would suggest connecting with faculty
members whose work lines up with your interests
and applying in advance. Make sure your
application is strong and highlights your potential.
It is also important to have good grades and good
overall academic performance. Some sort of
previous experience such as tutoring, academic
coaching, or even a Bachelor of Science degree for
those who wish to follow the research path might
be helpful as well.
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Student Spotlight:
Robin Lee
By: Carol Egan
Welcome to February, where the Valentine’s
Day chocolates are just as rich as our country’s
history! This month, our Student in the Spotlight
is Robin Lee, a Jacksonville native and a senior
in the UNF Nutrition and Dietetics program.
Robin is a busy mom of five beautiful children, 4
of which are two sets of twins! She currently
works as a substitute teacher for Duval County
schools, and she enjoys painting, exercising,
reading, and going on walks to be with nature.
Read further to learn more about this ambitious
mother, teacher, and student!
CE: When did you know you wanted to pursue a
degree in dietetics? What influenced you?
RL: In 2014, I decided to take back my health
after being told by my physician that my blood
pressure was high and he began to ask me
questions about my lifestyle and any changes in
my diet since my last appointment. He asked me
specifically about my diet and pointed out things
that needed to change. So, I started to dig deep
and learn everything about food to get me healthy
again. I also started working out at the gym and
got my pressure down and, over time, people
would approach me about my workout regimen
and my diet. I found it easy to speak about
workouts but struggled with giving advice for
their diets without being properly educated and
chose to pursue a degree in dietetics. I am
passionate about educating and empowering
others to also take back their health.
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CE: What has been your favorite class through the
degree program? Why?
RL: My favorite class in this degree program was
Management of Food and Nutrition Services
courses I and II. This course allowed me to see all
the possibilities that having a degree in dietetics
can offer. We covered so much material in the
course from learning about operational task of
foodservice, hands on experience through
volunteer work, school cafeterias, restaurant
management, personality traits, food resourcing,
ServSafe licensure and coming up with
entrepreneurship ideas in the food industry. It
didn’t cover all things learned but this course was
so informative and fulfilling in every way.
CE: What has challenged you most during your
time as a student at UNF?
RL: My last two semesters have been the most
challenging as a student. There have been many
changes that were not planned in my life at the
start of my matriculation at UNF so these changes
have caused some added stress but my faith has
sustained me and I’m moving forward.
Challenging times are temporary, but personal
growth is the reward once you have gone through
them.
CE: Do you have any advice for students entering
the Dietetics Program?
RL: I would tell anyone entering the dietetics
program that this degree offers a variety of career
paths in areas ranging from clinical dietetics to
public health or food manufacturing and the list
goes on. Because of all the choices available it can
seem overwhelming at first but start with
volunteer work in the areas offered within the
nutrition and dietetics degree. This will not only
help to build your resume, but you also gain a
perspective on the field that can help to fine tune
your interests
CE: What is your favorite thing to do in your free
time outside of school?
RL: As a mother of five, it is often hard to find that
free time. But when I do, I’m either taking care of
my many plants, reading a book, painting, or
hitting the nature trail with my kids
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and our dog, Chopper. I find that tending to all
things nature awakens your mind, helps you to
connect to your roots and is very healing. I love it
out there!
CE: Do you have a favorite club or volunteer
activity in relationship with UNF? If so, what is it,
and why do you enjoy it?
RL: I had the opportunity to volunteer at the
Sulzbacher Center in relation to the Food
Management course at UNF. The Sulzbacher
Center is a homeless center that provides
outreach, daily meals, emergency housing, case
management support, veteran services, job
placement assistance, as well as permanent
supportive housing. There, I had the pleasure to
serve our homeless community hot and nutritious
meals. This experience helped to solidify my love
for serving others and I hope to return soon.
CE: As a dietitian, you will have a lot of options for
career paths. What career path is most exciting to
you and why?
RL: The career path that is most rewarding for me
would be in public health. Pursuing a career in
public health as a nutritionist, I will have the
ability to influence decisions and policies that can
impact lives in a positive way for my community.
CE: Do you keep any quotes or sayings in the back
of your mind to keep you motivated every day? If
so, what is it and how does it help you?
RL: “If you believe it’ll work out, you’ll see
opportunities. If you don’t believe it’ll work out,
you’ll see obstacles.” –Wayne Dyer.
“Remember, I commanded you to be strong and
brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God
will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9
ERV
Robin’s thoughts on Black History Month
RL: Over the holidays I attended a family reunion
and my older family members who grew up in the
sixties here in Jacksonville were asked about
some of the history they remembered during the
time of segregation. My uncle and my dad
mentioned a vicious attack on black protestors
called Ax Handle Saturday. We all listened
attentively as they spoke of the horrors of that
day. My uncle said he was working at a barber
shop nearby when someone rushed in and said
there’s a riot in Hemming Park. On what is called
Ax Handle Saturday, 200 KKK members attacked
African American demonstrators who were
participating in a sit-in at the whites-only
Woolworth lunch counter in downtown
Jacksonville. The protest was to opposed racial
segregation. This event happened on August 27,
1960 and the reason it’s called Ax is because the
Klansmen were given Ax handles
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to threaten and use against African
American protesters that day. As I
reflect on the fights to end segregation
and how my ancestors didn’t budge
that day, they showed so much
strength and courage. I’m here today
because of that courage and I’ll be
forever grateful for all who pushed
past fear, for pushing past the fear you
gain confidence, empowerment, and
growth. “Take the first step in faith.
You don’t have to see the whole
staircase, just take the first step.” –
Martin Luther King Jr.
Robin’s Rapid-Fire Questions:
Favorite color? Navy blue
Favorite food? Lasagna
Favorite place? Any nature trails
Biggest fear? Nothing to fear but fear itself
Favorite movie? The Color Purple
Favorite book? The Four Agreements by Don
Miguel Ruiz
Favorite song? Outside by Mariah Carey
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FEB
NATIONAL
W O M E N
P H Y S I C I A N S
D A Y

Faculty Spotlight:
Dr. Alireza Jahan-Mihan
By: Anna Waterman
This month we are highlighting Dr. Alireza
Jahan-Mihan, or as many of us know him, Dr.
Ali. Dr. Ali grew up in Iran and that is where his
career in nutrition began. He graduated as the
first nutrition cohort from the Shiraz University
of Medical Sciences and began working in a
general hospital to gain experience and
knowledge. Here, he spearheaded a project to
tailor tube feedings for the specific needs of the
patients. From working as a clinical dietitian in
the food industry to private practice, Dr. Ali has
done it all. After immigrating to Canada in 2002,
he refocused on completing his Ph.D. at the
University of Toronto and found a new passion
for nutrition research.
While he was working on his Ph.D. research
project, he obtained his RD credential in Canada
and worked as a dietitian simultaneously.
Although the research projects in Canada were
exciting, the weather was less than desirable. So,
in 2013, Dr. Ali agreed to interview for a faculty
position here at UNF. Once here, he instantly fell
in love with the faculty, the facility, and the
students. Since being here, he has not only
published more research with many global
collaborators, but he also sparked the idea for the
Nutrition Journal Club as well as the magazine
you are reading now, UNFNutriNews. Read on to
be further inspired by one of our amazing
nutrition professors.
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First some thoughts on UNFNutriNews from Dr. Ali:
When the magazine was first launched in 2015, some did not believe it would be doable to
publish monthly, but Dr. Ali was confident in the students at UNF and believed in their drive
and determination. “The main engine of the department is not us [faculty], it is the students.”
We can lead and share our experience, but they will decide which direction to go.
UNFNutriNews is a dynamic experience that offers a lot of benefits to the staff. “It’s not just
about publishing an issue, it’s about the process. It’s learning how to work as a team, how to
be a leader.”
AW: What was the focus of your nutrition
research prior to coming to UNF?
Dr. Ali: When working on research in Iran, Dr. Ali
was inspired to study GI cancer due to the
diagnosis of his academic supervisor with this
disease. This research focused on how nutrition
education can influence the total well-being of GI
cancer patients.
The University of Toronto is a research-based
university, so Dr. Ali worked with Dr. Harvey
Anderson on many research projects here
alongside very prominent members of the
nutrition research community, Dr. Thomas
Wolever and Dr. David Jenkins who are famously
known for developing the glycemic index.
While here, the focus of Dr. Ali’s research was
proteins. First, it started with how different
sources of protein influence body weight and
body composition. Then, the research evolved
into how dietary proteins consumed during
pregnancy and lactation can influence the risk of
the development of hypertension, diabetes,
obesity, and other components of metabolic
syndrome. Essentially, the mother’s nutrition can
“program” the fetus to be less or more vulnerable
to obesity and certain diseases.
I am also working on the role of nutrition in
physical performance. In collaboration with
CAMS, we studied the effect of intensity of
exercise on food intake regulation. More studies
in this area are on my agenda.
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AW: Can you tell us more about fetal
programming?
Dr. Ali: It is a fairly new field of research
that has only been around for about 15
years. It is important because it can help us
understand why some may develop chronic
diseases or obesity even when lifestyle
factors are not contributing. While some
point to genetics in these cases, it is likely
that it is epigenetic. Epigenetic means
whatever happens during pregnancy and
lactation and up to two years after birth
can influence health status for the rest of
our lives. During this time, fetal organs are
in the “stage of plasticity” which means
they are open to influence from the
environment. One of the largest influences
on fetal programming is maternal diet and
it’s not just about deficiency. Even in
nutritionally adequate diets, different
sources of protein may influence and
program the fetus in various ways. It is not
enough to recommend an “adequate and
balanced diet” during pregnancy because
the presence of various macronutrients
and micronutrients will play a role in fetal
programming.
For example, although soy protein and
casein protein are both nutritionally good
proteins, biologically and physiologically,
they are different. Their function is
different, their effect on protein synthesis
is different, their effect on the development
of the blood pressure regulating system is
different as is their effect on the
hypothalamus. Body composition, body
weight, and food intake are all regulated by
the hypothalamus, so if a certain portion of
the diet can influence the development of
certain areas of the body to a high degree,
then the fetus will be programmed in a
different way.
AW: How is this research being
conducted?
Dr. Ali: This research has been conducted
using rats because we cannot do these
types of studies in humans. It’s very
difficult to follow participants in a study
from pregnancy to teenage years. In rats,
the entire pregnancy is only 3 weeks,
lactation is 3 weeks, and the offspring are
completely mature in 12 weeks. So,
everything can be completed in about 24
weeks.
In terms of applicability, rats are 89%
genetically similar to humans. When you
open the abdominal area and chest, it is
identical to humans except that it is
smaller. The main difference between
humans and rats is our brain, but other
organs are essentially the same. They also
contain all the same hormones, insulin
and ghrelin with the same functions; even
the normal blood pressure level is the
same, blood glucose is the same, and the
definition of diabetes is the same.
While animal studies may not be respected
as much in the dietetics community, 80%
of our knowledge comes from these
studies because many times we cannot use
human subjects either for ethical reasons
or simple time constraints.
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AW: Lastly, could you offer some advice
for students pursuing a degree in
dietetics?
Dr. Ali: The main point is that it is about
you, not just filling the hours and making
your boss happy. In any job, you can do
the minimum and just pass the time, but
instead, see it as an opportunity. Wherever
you are going, whatever you are doing,
think about how you can make a positive
change in that environment. Whatever
you are doing, it will be your signature
and you want to have a good signature.
If you like dietetics, do it. If you don’t,
don’t waste your time because it will be
torture for yourself, and you won’t be
useful to others. You must move beyond
just being a laborer and just doing a job to
survive. You must be creative, you must
own your work, you have to challenge
yourself, and make a change in your
environment if you want to be satisfied
with your work.
If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Ali’s research you can simply type “Jahan
mihan” in Google Scholar. Here are some selected articles highlighting his research as
follows:
1. Jahan-mihan A; Magyari P; Pinkstaff S. The Effect of Intensity of Exercise on Appetite and
Food Intake Regulation in Post-Exercise Period (A Randomized Trial): Journal of Nutrition
and Exercise.2021, 4 (3): 12.
2. Jahan-Mihan A, Rodriguez J, Christie C, Sadeghi M, Zerbe T. The Role of Maternal Dietary
Proteins in Development of Metabolic Syndrome in Offspring. Nutrients. 2015; 7(11): 9185-
217. Doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7115460
3. Jahan-Mihan A. The Effect of Maternal Intact Protein- and Amino Acid-Based Diets on
Development of Food Intake Regulatory Systems and Body Weight in Dams and Male
Offspring of Wistar Rats. Int J Mol Sci. 2019; 20(7):1690. Doi:
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20071690
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U T R I T I O N R E S E A R C H :
N
H A T I S F E T A L P R O G R A M M I N G ? A N D W H A T D O E S I T
W
programming may sound intimidating, but it is really
Fetal
the theory that different environmental cues
just
throughout the course of fetal development
experienced
a role in determining the health trajectories of the
play
throughout the rest of their life.1 In other words, the
fetus
status of the mother throughout pregnancy will
nutritional
the health of the fetus and therefore the child
influence
the rest of its life. It is well known that nutrition during
for
is one of the most important factors in the
pregnancy
of the fetus. For example, nutrition directly
development
the development of endocrine systems,
influences
mechanisms, and somatic structures in the
homeostatic
and infant—and these effects can influence the risk
fetus
developing chronic disease like obesity, cancer,
of
undernutrition in particular can be devastating
Fetal
the fetus. Undernourishment of the fetus can lead
to
metabolic dependence on glucose to decrease or
to
the oxidation of other substrates, as the
increase
metabolic response of the fetus is to
immediate
its own substrate to produce energy through
consume
Extended malnutrition can lead to
catabolism.1
growth in the fetus and it is hypothesized that
delayed
process of storing glucose continues into
the
which can lead to insulin resistance.1
adulthood,
growth can influence the fetus to try and
Delayed
tissues (especially brain tissue), which can
protect
to tissue loss in the liver and other abdominal
lead
tissue.1
visceral
M E A N F O R M O T H E R S
By: Haley Brock
diabetes, and hypertension later in life.2
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the other end of the spectrum, there is the case of maternal obesity or
On
diabetes during pregnancy, which can increase the risk of
gestational
and/or glucose intolerance in offspring.2 Gestational diabetes has
obesity
linked to a higher risk of obesity in later life, and intrauterine exposure
been
maternal obesity has been linked with an increased risk of metabolic
to
and obesity later in life.2
syndrome
the protein source a mother chooses can have an affect on their fetus!
Even
and soy-protein based diets during pregnancy have been shown to
Casein-
different effects on the development of metabolic syndrome in rats
have
their offspring.2 A soy-protein diet has been associated with higher
and
plasma glucose and insulin levels than a casein-protein diet.2 In
fasting
higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings have been
addition,
in rat offspring whose mothers consumed mostly soy protein.2
found
these studies on fetal programming have shown is that while nutrition
What
important at all aspects of life, it might be most important during
is
O U R C E S :
S
. K W O N E J , K I M Y J . W H A T I S F E T A L P R O G R A M M I N G ? : A L I F E T I M E H E A L T H I S U N D E R T H E C O N T R O L O F
1
N U T E R O H E A L T H . O B S T E T G Y N E C O L S C I . 2 0 1 7 ; 6 0 ( 6 ) : 5 0 6 - 5 1 9 . D O I : 1 0 . 5 4 6 8 / O G S . 2 0 1 7 . 6 0 . 6 . 5 0 6 .
I
. J A H A N - M I H A N A R . D I E T A R Y P R O T E I N S , D E V E L O P M E N T A L P R O G R A M M I N G , A N D P O T E N T I A L
2
pregnancy.
M P L I C A T I O N I N M A T E R N A L O B E S I T Y . J O U R N A L O F N U T R I T I O N A N D F O O D S E C U R I T Y . 2 0 1 7 ; 2 ( 3 ) : 2 3 5 -
I
2 . H T T P S : / / J N F S . S S U . A C . I R / B R O W S E . P H P ? A _ I D = 8 7 & S L C _ L A N G = E N & S I D = 1 & F T X T = 1 & H T M L =
4
24

T H E L U N C H B O X
B Y : P A I G E C O U R T I E R
B R E A K F A S T I D E A F O R P R E G N A N T W O M E N
S P I N A C H , Z U C C H I N I , A N D L E E K F R I T T A T A W I T H R O A S T E D B U T T E R N U T S Q U A S H
S P I N A C H , Z U C C H I N I , A N D L E E K F R I T T A T A :
Frittata Ingredients
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 tbsp butter
· ½ cup finely chopped
zucchini
· 1 cup of thinly sliced leek
(only white and light green
portion)
· 1 cup chopped spinach
· 1 minced clove of garlic
· 1/3 cup feta cheese
· 3 whole eggs
· 3 egg whites
· 2 tbsp mil
Instructions for the Frittata
1) Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8-inch casserole or pie dish;
set aside.
2) On medium heat, heat butter and olive oil in a non-stick
skillet.
3) Add sliced leek and chopped zucchini and reduce to
medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring often.
4) Add spinach and garlic, cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in salt,
pepper, and fresh parsley. Remove skillet from heat.
5) Whisk the eggs, egg whites, and milk in a bowl and pour into
vegetable mixture. Combine well.
6) Transfer egg and vegetable mixture to greased 8-inch
casserole or pie dish.
7) Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes and broil for 2-3 minutes (or until
top is lightly browned).
8) Let cool and enjoy
25

2018
STATISTICS
Infant and Maternal
Mortality in African
Americans
Infant Deaths:
10.8 out of 1,000 live births
Top 5 Leading Causes of death for African Americans
Low Birth Weight (247.5 per 100,000)
Congenital Malformations (156.9 per 100,000)
Maternal Complications (77.7 per 100,000)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) (69.6 per
100,000)
Accidents (unintentional injuries (58 per
100,000)
African American are three to four times more
likely to experience pregnancy related death
than white women.
For more resources on tackling infant and maternal mortalities in African Americans visit
https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html
https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/health/reports/black-womens-maternal-health.html
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/
27

31

Sports Nutrition
Exercise and pregnancy: is it safe?
BY: BRIANNA BRAND
Anyone pregnant can attest to this; as soon as you are noticeably pregnant, every
choice you make is heavily scrutinized, and unwarranted advice is plentiful. I often
see this when pregnant women are exercising in a public place because there are
misconceptions on updated safe pregnancy recommendations due to continuously
evolving research. What used to be conservative exercise recommendations has
turned much more relaxed and even encouraged because the good outweighs the
bad under normal circumstances. Generally, if a woman is exercising regularly
before her pregnancy, she is safe to continue doing so.1Although, regardless of
whether a woman is active pre-pregnancy or wants to start exercising during her
pregnancy, they should check with their doctor to ensure it is safe for themselves
and the development of the baby.1,2 In table 1, provided by Schoenfeld, there are
conditions listed in which it is best to restrict exercise.2
Schoenfeld B. Resistance training during pregnancy: safe and effective program design. Strength & Conditioning Journal.
2011;33(5):67–75. doi:10.1519/SSC.0b013e31822ec2d8
32

If none of these risks are present and the woman is cleared by her doctor to
exercise during pregnancy, women should still take certain precautions while
exercising to maximize safety. One of the risks those who are pregnant should be
wary of is hypoxia; when exercising, extra blood is pumped to the muscles being
worked; when this happens during pregnancy, blood flow to the uterus is
decreased, which may result in inadequate fetal oxygen supply. 1 In those that are
conditioned, this is less likely to happen. The risk of blood pooling can be
decreased by involving the whole body in exercising; this is naturally occurring in
walking, running, and swimming.2 In women participating in resistance training,
Schoenfeld has successfully implemented every other-day full-body training with an
emphasis on isometric core training.2 Research shows that 76% of women will
report low back pain at some point in their pregnancy due to an altered center of
gravity leading to increased lumbar curvature.2 It is shown that women who
strengthen their core can significantly reduce their lower back pain and may even
experience shorter and easier labor.1,2 To make room for the growing fetus, the
joints become laxer; because of this, Schoenfeld recommends higher rep ranges to
decrease stress on the joint and chance of injury.2
It is also essential that the mother rests a minimum of 2 minutes in between to
allow for heart rate restoration in between sets. Breathing and heart rate must be
monitored during activity. A great way to test this is the talk test; If the pregnant
person cannot hold a conversation while exercising, is it a sign that her heart rate
is getting too high and that she should rest.1 While pregnant, exercise should not
be taken to exhaustion or failure, and women should be wary of becoming
overheated, avoiding saunas and hot tubs.1
Schoenfeld B. Resistance training during pregnancy: safe and effective program design. Strength & Conditioning Journal.
2011;33(5):67–75. doi:10.1519/SSC.0b013e31822ec2d8
33

Despite some of the risks present, the potential benefits make exercising during pregnancy worth
trying. As mentioned previously, working out can result in a more comfortable pregnancy and make
labor easier. Staying active may also decrease risk factors associated with pregnancy. For example,
studies show that a regular exercise regimen can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by 59%
and preeclampsia by 24-54%, with the decrease in risk increasing with exercise intensity.2 Working
out may also improve mental health and confidence during and after pregnancy, as it does for nonpregnant
people. These benefits may last even after birthing; in an observational study, researchers
found that children of mothers who were active throughout their pregnancy had a more developed
nervous system and showed to be more focused and disciplined. These are just some of the few
benefits someone may experience if they have an active pregnancy, as long as they are medically
cleared for exercise and follow prescribed safety measures.
References: 1. Jarski RW, Trippett DL. The risks and benefits of exercise during pregnancy. J Fam Pract.
1990;30(2):185-189. 2. Schoenfeld B. Resistance training during pregnancy: safe and effective program design.
Strength & Conditioning Journal. 2011;33(5):67–75. doi:10.1519/SSC.0b013e31822ec2d8
34

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