Maternal dietary counseling reduces total and LDL cholesterol postpartum

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary counseling on blood lipid concentrations during and after pregnancy. Methods: Partcipants (N = 256) were randomized into three study groups: dietary counseling with probiotics or placebo and a control group at first trimester of pregnancy. Diet quality was evaluated from food records by an index of healthy eating and total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A-I and B, and lipoprotein (a) were measured at the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and 1, 6, and 12 mo postpartum. Results: During pregnancy, no differences in lipid values were noted among the groups, but postpartum TC and LDL-C were lower in both dietary counseling groups compared with controls (P = 0.027 and P = 0.012, respectively). Higher points on the healthy eating index, normal weight, and regular exercise were associated with a more favorable lipid profile at 12 mo after delivery. Conclusion: Maternal dietary counseling may lower maternal TC and LDL-C levels postpartum. A healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and postpartum may benefit women's cardiovascular health. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.