| ABSTRACT
Objectves: This systematc review aims to evaluate the associaton between trans faty acid
(TFA) exposure—via diet or circulatng biomarkers—and the risk of developing gestatonal
diabetes mellitus (GDM). Given the global burden of GDM and the modifability of dietary fat
intake, understanding this relatonship could inform preventve dietary guidelines during
pregnancy.
Methods: A systematc literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of
Science from January 2000 to December 2025. Studies were included if they assessed TFA
exposure through diet or biomarkers in pregnant women without pre-existng diabetes and
reported GDM outcomes. Thirteen original studies (prospectve cohorts, case–controls, cross
sectonal studies, and one RCT) met inclusion criteria and data were synthesized narratvely.
Results: Pre-pregnancy diets high in animal fats and industrial TFAs were associated with
increased GDM risk, partcularly in large U.S. cohorts. In contrast, higher intakes of
polyunsaturated fats—especially omega-3—were protectve. During pregnancy, higher total
fat intake, partcularly saturated and trans fats, correlated with increased fastng glucose and
GDM risk. Biomarker studies reinforced these fndings: elevated plasma levels of trans and
saturated faty acids predicted higher GDM odds, while vaccenic acid and omega-3 PUFAs were
protectve. The only RCT showed a non-signifcant reducton in GDM incidence with low-TFA
diets.
Conclusion: The evidence supports a link between TFA intake and GDM development.
Reducing trans and saturated fat consumpton—especially before and early in pregnancy—
may lower GDM risk. Future trials should evaluate specifc faty acid subtypes and gene–diet
interactons to refne maternal dietary guidelines.
Keywords: trans faty acids, gestatonal diabetes mellitus, maternal nutriton, dietary fats, systematc
review |
