The Alliance for Food and Farming sponsored an informational session concerning the effects of diet on maternal health at the Produce For Better Health Foundation’s Consumer Connection conference on April 5.  The session featured Dr. Carl Keen, Professor of Nutrition at the University of California, Davis and Elizabeth Shaw, a registered dietitian with a private practice that emphasizes pregnancy and infertility and author of the recently published Fertility Foods cookbook.  Registered dietitian and best-selling author Toby Amidor moderated the session.

Among the key points from Dr. Keen and Shaw regarding diets and pregnancy:

• There is no clear evidence that the amount of pesticide residues reported on fruits and vegetables available in the American marketplace pose a risk to pregnant women.
• There is no significant difference in the nutritional/health values of conventionally or organically-grown fruits and vegetables so pregnant women should consume whichever is preferred.
• For those trying to become pregnant, following Mediterranean diet principals may be the appropriate option. Shaw referenced a 2018 study in human reproduction which found females under 35 undergoing in vitro fertilization had a 65% to 68% increased chance of success with a stronger adherence to the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes eating lots of fruits and veggies each day.
• The science overwhelmingly supports consuming a diet rich in fruits and veggies, not only during pregnancy, but throughout all stages of your life.

Shaw also emphasized that the best way to remove any residues, if present at all, on conventional or organic fruits and veggies is to simply wash them under running tap water and remove and discard the outer leaves of leafy greens.

The presentation concluded with Amidor reminding the audience that to promote a nourishing, well-balanced diet it is important to support choice and encourage consumers to buy whatever fruits and veggies are affordable and accessible for them.