The Effect of Diet on Blood Pressure Disorders and Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 PhD of Reproductive Health, Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Blood pressure disorders and gestational diabetes are common problems during pregnancy that threaten the health of mother and fetus. The acidic load of the diet is known to be an effective factor in the occurrence of these complications. The present study was conducted with aim to investigate the effect of diet on blood pressure disorders and gestational diabetes.
Methods: In this systematic review, databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, SID and Magiran were searched using the related keywords "Dietary Acid Load", "Acidity", "Alkaline diet", "Gestational Diabetes" and "Hypertensive disorders" in Persian and English language until July 2025. The selection of articles was based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and the quality of the articleswas assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
Results: Finally, 5 relevant studies were selected and reviewed with a total volume of 7869 pregnant and non-pregnant women. The data were mainly extracted and calculated from the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and acid load indices such as NEAP and PRAL. According to most studies, high dietary acid load is associated with a significant increase in blood pressure disorders and gestational diabetes. Increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables and reducing animal protein can decrease these risks.
Conclusion: Despite limited studies, regulating dietary acid load by modifying maternal nutritional patterns is effective in preventing and reducing hypertension and gestational diabetes. Prospective studies and clinical trials are necessary to more accurately confirm this association.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 28, Issue 11
January 2026
Pages 68-79

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