Researchers studied 52 pregnant women to see if eating a Mediterranean diet (lots of vegetables, fish, and olive oil) changes how their genes work. They found that women who closely followed this diet had small changes in their blood cells’ genetic switches compared to women who didn’t follow it as closely. These genetic changes were linked to better inflammation control in the body. While the changes were modest, this early research suggests that what pregnant women eat might influence how their genes function, which could affect their health and their baby’s health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy changes how genes are turned on and off in a pregnant woman’s blood cells
  • Who participated: 52 pregnant women divided into two groups: those who closely followed a Mediterranean diet and those who didn’t follow it as closely
  • Key finding: Women who followed the Mediterranean diet had small but measurable changes in how certain genes were activated in their blood, particularly genes involved in metabolism and inflammation control
  • What it means for you: This early research suggests that eating a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy may positively influence how your body’s genes function. However, this is preliminary evidence from a small study, so more research is needed before making strong recommendations. If you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether a Mediterranean diet is right for you.

The Research Details

This was a pilot study, meaning it’s an early exploration of an idea rather than a definitive answer. Researchers selected 52 pregnant women from a larger study called BioMood ORIGINS. They divided the women into two groups based on how well they followed a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy—some stuck to it closely, while others didn’t follow it as much. The researchers then took blood samples and examined the DNA in those samples to see if there were differences in how genes were being controlled between the two groups. They used advanced technology called the TWIST human methylome panel to look at millions of genetic switches in the blood cells.

This research approach is important because it looks at epigenetics—how our environment and choices can turn genes on and off without changing the DNA itself. Think of it like having a light switch (your gene) and a dimmer (epigenetics) that controls how bright it gets. This study helps us understand whether diet during pregnancy might influence these genetic switches, which could affect both the mother’s and baby’s health.

This is a small, early-stage study with 52 participants, so results should be viewed as preliminary. The researchers used rigorous genetic testing methods and checked their findings against public databases to verify some results. However, because it’s a pilot study, the findings are modest in size and need to be confirmed by larger studies before we can be confident in the results. The study was well-designed in selecting women with very different diet adherence levels, which helps highlight any differences.

What the Results Show

When researchers looked at the entire genome (all genes), they didn’t find major differences between the two groups. However, when they looked at specific regions of genes, they found 2,210 areas where the genetic switches were different between women who followed the Mediterranean diet closely and those who didn’t. These 2,210 regions were connected to 1,537 different genes. Importantly, these genes were clustered in areas related to metabolism (how your body uses food for energy), inflammation (your body’s immune response), and brain signaling (how your nervous system works). This suggests that the Mediterranean diet may influence genes involved in these important body functions.

The researchers also looked at inflammatory markers—substances in the blood that show how much inflammation is happening in the body. They found that changes in one specific gene called LPIN1 were connected to lower levels of inflammatory markers in women who followed the Mediterranean diet. This is encouraging because inflammation during pregnancy can affect both mother and baby health. Additionally, when the researchers looked at specific genes that had been previously linked to Mediterranean diet benefits in other studies, they found small but statistically significant differences in two genes: COL18A1 and PPARGC1B.

Previous research has shown that Mediterranean diets are associated with better health outcomes and lower disease risk in the general population. This study extends that knowledge by suggesting that these benefits might work through changes in how genes are controlled. The findings align with what scientists expected—that diet influences epigenetic markers—but the changes are smaller than some might have predicted. The study also confirmed some previously reported gene associations, which adds credibility to the findings.

This is a small pilot study with only 52 women, so results may not apply to all pregnant women. The study only looked at blood cells, not other tissues that might be affected. The genetic changes found were small in size, even though they were statistically significant. The study was observational, meaning researchers observed what women naturally ate rather than randomly assigning them to diets, so we can’t be completely sure the diet caused the changes. More research with larger groups of women is needed to confirm these findings.

The Bottom Line

Based on this preliminary evidence, a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy appears to be associated with beneficial changes in gene control, particularly for genes involved in inflammation and metabolism. However, this is early-stage research. Current recommendation level: Moderate confidence. Pregnant women should discuss dietary choices with their healthcare provider, as the Mediterranean diet is already recommended for general health benefits. This study provides additional potential benefits but shouldn’t be the only reason to adopt this diet.

This research is most relevant to pregnant women and those planning pregnancy who want to optimize their nutrition. Healthcare providers caring for pregnant women should be aware of this emerging evidence. Women with a family history of metabolic or inflammatory diseases might find this particularly relevant. This research is less immediately relevant to non-pregnant individuals, though the findings may eventually apply to general populations.

Genetic changes can happen relatively quickly—potentially within weeks to months of dietary changes—but the health benefits of these changes may take longer to appear. During pregnancy, the most important period for these changes would be throughout the entire pregnancy. After birth, it may take months to years to see measurable health differences in the baby. This is a long-term process, not something that produces immediate results.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily Mediterranean diet adherence using a simple scoring system: count servings of vegetables (goal: 3+), fish (goal: 2-3 per week), olive oil use (goal: daily), and whole grains (goal: daily). Rate adherence on a 1-10 scale each day to monitor consistency over weeks and months.
  • Start by adding one Mediterranean diet element per week: Week 1 - add olive oil to meals, Week 2 - add fish twice, Week 3 - increase vegetables to 3 servings daily. Use the app to log these additions and track which changes feel sustainable. Set reminders for meal planning focused on Mediterranean ingredients.
  • Create a monthly Mediterranean diet adherence score by averaging daily ratings. Track alongside any available health markers (if monitored by your doctor) such as inflammation markers or energy levels. Use the app to identify which Mediterranean diet components you’re doing well with and which need improvement. Review progress monthly to adjust your approach.

This research represents preliminary findings from a small pilot study and should not be considered definitive medical advice. The genetic changes identified are modest in size and require confirmation through larger studies. Pregnant women should consult with their obstetrician or healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes. This study does not establish causation, only associations. Individual responses to dietary changes vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical guidance during pregnancy.