In November 2019 researchers from Greece published their review on the role of fatty acids and carnitine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The researchers stated that carnitine had a part to play in the intermediary metabolism of both pregnant women and the neonate and may also have implications for health and disease later in life. It was noted that maternal diets rich in trans and saturated fatty acids could lead to impairments in the metabolism and development of the offspring, whereas the consumption of long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy played a beneficial metabolic role in the health of the offspring. The researchers recommended that pregnant women who are underweight, overweight or obese, have gestational diabetes mellitus or diabetes mellitus and those who choose vegan/vegetarian diets should be nutritionally supported to achieve a higher quality diet during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.
Manta-Vogli PD et al. The significant role of carnitine and fatty acids during pregnancy, lactation and perinatal period. Nutritional support in specific groups of pregnant women. Clin Nutr. 2019 Nov 1. [Epub ahead of print]