Since the mid-70s, my research area of interest
and focus is what can we do to try to improve
pregnancy outcomes of the average individual.
And my focus is how can we improve their diets.
One of the things that we know is that individuals
who have poor diets, what we mean by that
is that they are usually low in fruits and
vegetables, high-protein dishes, have an increased
risk for pregnancy complications.
So we're constantly trying to say, what can
we do to make their diets better?
Campaigns, such as Five-A-Day, which are focused
on increasing fruits and vegetable intake
is exactly what we need to make significant
positive strides in having healthy children.
One of the things I sometimes hear from women
is, "Well, I'm worried about eating this fruit
or vegetable."
Indeed, a few studies have been published
that suggest that concerns over, say, pesticide
residues on fruits or vegetables, or other
environmental pollutants makes them maybe
not eat that fruit or vegetable.
And I think this is really unfortunate.
What I tell women routinely is all the data
suggests you want to increase your intake
during pregnancy.
For that matter before you even become pregnant
to help optimize your chance for having a
very healthy child.
