Maternal macro- and micronutrient intake six months after hypertensive versus normotensive pregnancy: is poor diet quality contributing to future cardio-metabolic risk?

Abstract Background Hypertensive pregnancy is associated with increased long-term cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease risk. Assessing dietary intake patterns after hypertensive (HP) versus normotensive pregnancy (NP) may provide insights into the mechanism of this risk. Methods This study was a prospective sub-study of the P4 (Postpartum, Physiology, Psychology and Paediatrics) cohort. Women were studied six months after NP versus HP (preeclampsia or gestational hypertension). Dietary energy, macro- and micronutrient intake were measured using a three-day food diary (FoodWorksTM) and assessed against Australian and New Zealand Nutrient Reference Values to determine nutritional adequacy. Comparisons between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women were assessed, and linear regression modelling (using hypertensive status, breastfeeding status, and demographic/pregnancy variables) performed to assess predictors of energy intake. Results Seventy-four women (60 NP, 14 HP) were included. HP women had higher mean body mass index (p=0.02) and lower breastfeeding rates (29% HP versus 83% NP, p Conclusions HP women had lower micronutrient intake and greater prevalence of nutritional inadequacy compared to NP women, reflecting poorer diet quality, potentially contributing to future increased cardio-metabolic risk.