(OR12-02-25) Mikhuna Trial: Ecuadorian Dietary Pattern During Pregnancy Increases Maternal DHA

Objectives: To investigate the effects of an Ecuadorian healthy dietary pattern on maternal dietary intake and nutrition-sensitive blood biomarkers during pregnancy.

Methods: This longitudinal, randomized controlled trial took place in two peri-urban, low-resource communities in Ecuador. Participants, pregnant women recruited in their first trimester, were assigned to either a control group (n=82) or the Mikhuna intervention group (n=103), which received weekly deliveries of 8 eggs, 500 g fish, and native fruits and vegetables while promoting dietary diversity and limiting ultra-processed foods. Maternal blood, anthropometric measurements, and food frequencies were collected at 12, 21, and 35 weeks gestation, and two weeks postpartum. Generalized linear regressions assessed for intervention effects on maternal dietary diversity and blood biomarkers controlling for baseline parameters.

Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable across groups. The rate of premature births did not differ significantly between the groups. The intervention group exhibited a significant increase in blood DHA levels from 12 to 35 weeks gestation compared to the control group. Although changes in blood choline and betaine were not statistically significant, they showed upward trends suggesting potential improvements. There were non-significant differences in dietary diversity scores.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a dietary pattern intervention using locally sourced, nutrient-rich foods can increase maternal DHA levels during pregnancy. Few randomized controlled trials have tested a dietary pattern during pregnancy, and even fewer in low-income countries. This strategy offers a practical and sustainable solution for enhancing maternal and fetal health in low-resource settings, emphasizing the capacity of dietary pattern interventions to address gaps in maternal and fetal nutrition.

Funding Sources: Children’s Discovery Institute