Pam Easterday wrote:
> The recent discussion on pregnancy-induced hypertension
> makes me wonder what the research shows. I often hear
> raves about very high protein diets in pregnancy curing
> many ills.
I think one thing that would make this issue less confusing is defining
"high protein diet."
>
> I have read that excess protein reduces calcium
> absorption. Has this been proven?
My understanding is that when a person follows a "high protein" diet,
they may indeed lose calcium for the first couple of weeks, but then the
loss stops. There have also been numerous reports that "too much" protein
causes kidney failure and other kidney problems, but darned if I've been
able to find any research-based truth to that.
>
> Since those in the USA often have high protein intakes, I
> question that we really need more protein to help us carry
> twins to term, balance our fluids, or keep our blood
> pressure down.
What clouds the issue is that we hear Americans "eat too much protein"
but I'm not sure that is true. We definitely eat too much "nutritionally
empty" foods, often of the high carbohydrate variety. Among other things,
adequate protein intake has been shown to reduce risk of pre-eclampsia,
help regulate blood sugar levels, and if you make wise choices, even
control "excessive" weight gain. Honestly, if a person eats everything
Dr. Brewer (see below) recommends, there's not much room left for chips
and chocolate.
>
> I am not being critical of anyone's opinions. I am
> wondering where the evidence lies.
I think most of the research we have comes from the work of Dr. Tom
Brewer. It's a shame his book is out of print, IMO. I followed his diet
as best I could (I am not a big meat fan) during both pregnancies--
focusing on getting about 100 grams of protein a day. I was not carrying
twins, but I had no pregnancy-related problems and delivered healthy
babies. My blood pressure was great throughout both-- despite my weight
gain being on the, uh, excessive side. My protein choices were not always
wise...
Here are a few links that I found a few weeks ago, looking into this very
thing for my own information. Here is an article, with references, from
LLLI's NEW BEGINNINGS:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBSepOct94.mult.html
Here is one that discusses the possible dangers to expectant mothers of
twins in getting too much protein, as well as discussing and describing
the Brewer diet:
http://www.fensende.com/Users/swnymph/Nutrition.html
Here is a "Q&A" with Dr. Brewer:
http://www.parentsplace.com/pregnancy/nutrition/gen/0%2C3375%2C8466%2C00.html
And last but not least, here is an article specifically about twin
mothers and protein intake-- but there are no footnotes or references:
http://www.parentsplace.com/pregnancy/nutrition/qa/0%2C3105%2C11273%2C00.html
Not sure if this is what you're looking for, Pam, but maybe it's a start?
Joanne Hamilton
Foley, AL
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