Report on Maternal Organic Food Consumption and Pediatric-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease Risk

Background and Objectives

This study investigates the relationship between maternal organic food consumption and diet quality during pregnancy with the risk of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in offspring, including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), by promoting healthier prenatal nutrition to improve child health outcomes.

Methods

1. Participants: 60,274 singleton mother-child pairs from the Danish National Birth Cohort (1996-2002).
2. Data Collection:
   • Gestational week 30: Telephone interviews assessed overall maternal organic food consumption.
   • Gestational week 25: Food frequency questionnaire evaluated maternal diet over the previous four weeks, including six organic food types (eggs, dairy, meat, fruit, vegetables, cereals).
   • Healthy Eating Index measured maternal diet quality based on Danish official dietary guidelines.
3. Outcome: Identification of offspring with pediatric-onset IBD (≤18 years) via national patient registries.
4. Analysis: Cox regression models examined associations between maternal diet factors and offspring IBD risk.

Key Findings

• Overall frequent maternal organic food consumption during pregnancy was not significantly associated with offspring’s IBD risk (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.63; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.33-1.19).
• Frequent consumption of organic eggs and dairy was associated with a significantly lower risk of pediatric-onset Crohn’s disease in offspring (HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.17-0.94).
• No significant association was found between organic food consumption and ulcerative colitis risk (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.41-3.00).
• Maternal diet quality during pregnancy showed no significant association with offspring’s risk of IBD, CD, or UC (HR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.97-1.01).

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The study highlights the potential of maternal organic food consumption, especially eggs and dairy, to reduce the risk of pediatric Crohn’s disease, contributing to improved child health and reduced disease burden.
• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Encouraging organic and nutritious diets during pregnancy supports food security and nutrition, fostering healthier future generations.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Promoting organic food consumption aligns with sustainable agricultural practices and responsible consumption patterns.

Conclusion

This large prospective cohort study demonstrates that maternal consumption of organic eggs and dairy during pregnancy may lower the risk of pediatric-onset Crohn’s disease in offspring. These findings support integrating nutritional interventions in prenatal care to advance child health, consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses maternal diet quality and organic food consumption during pregnancy, which relates to ensuring access to nutritious food and promoting sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The study focuses on pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) risk in offspring, linking maternal nutrition to child health outcomes.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The emphasis on organic food consumption during pregnancy highlights sustainable consumption patterns.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving targets on stunted and wasted children under 5 years of age.
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Maternal Organic Food Consumption
   • Frequency of organic food consumption during pregnancy (e.g., organic eggs, dairy, meat, fruit, vegetables, cereals) as assessed by telephone interviews and food frequency questionnaires.
2. Maternal Diet Quality
   • Healthy Eating Index based on adherence to official dietary guidelines.
3. Health Outcomes in Offspring
   • Incidence of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), identified through national patient registries.
4. Risk Assessment Metrics
   • Hazard Ratios (HR) and Confidence Intervals (CI) measuring associations between maternal diet factors and offspring IBD risk.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: frontiersin.org