Matthew Landry, University of California, Irvine – Misconceptions and Gaps in OB/GYN Training on Plant-Based Nutrition

The Academic Minute

Not enough doctors are trained in plant-based nutrition.

Matthew Landry, assistant professor of population health & disease prevention at the Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health at the University of California, Irvine, looks at how to close the gap.

Matthew Landry’s current research focuses on identifying the optimal diet (or diets) for chronic disease prevention and addressing the challenges of designing, implementing and reporting clinical trials that test dietary patterns. He is particularly interested in behavioral interventions that promote plant-forward and plant-based diets. He is a passionate advocator for policies that address nutrition-related health inequalities particularly in low resource settings and/or with communities experiencing health inequalities related to food insecurity and structural disparities.

Misconceptions and Gaps in OB/GYN Training on Plant-Based Nutrition

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During pregnancy, a birthing person may be highly motivated to make changes to their diet to support not only their health but also the baby’s health. However, despite the critical role of nutrition, many pregnant individuals do not meet recommended intake levels for various micronutrients, even when using dietary supplements.

Our research delved into the perceptions and knowledge gaps that obstetricians-gynecologists or OB/GYNs have about plant-based diets during pregnancy.

We surveyed 96 OB/GYNs to understand their attitudes towards plant-based dietary patterns. While it’s clear that many physicians recognize the health benefits of plant-based diets, there’s a significant shortfall in formal nutrition training, particularly regarding the safety and nutritional adequacy of these diets for pregnant and lactating persons.

Our findings highlight that OB/GYNs often feel unprepared to recommend plant-based diets confidently. This is concerning because proper nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for both maternal and fetal health. We identified a need for enhanced medical education focused on nutrition, which could empower healthcare providers to give accurate and beneficial dietary advice.

One of our key recommendations is integrating registered dietitian nutritionists into the perinatal care team. Registered dietitian nutritionists bring specialized knowledge that can complement the care provided by OB/GYNs, ensuring pregnant persons receive comprehensive nutritional guidance.

By addressing these educational gaps, we aim to create a healthcare environment where OB/GYNs can confidently support their patients in adopting healthy, plant-based diets if they choose to do so. This could lead to better health outcomes for mothers and their babies, ultimately enhancing the standard of perinatal care.

Read More:
[Frontiers] – The knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards a plant-based dietary pattern: a survey of obstetrician-gynecologists

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