From the Guidelines
You can safely consume hummus during pregnancy, as it provides valuable nutrients beneficial for your baby's growth and development, including protein, fiber, folate, and iron. Hummus is a nutritious food made primarily from chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. The chickpeas in hummus offer plant-based protein important for your baby's growth, while folate helps prevent neural tube defects 1. When consuming hummus while pregnant, ensure it's fresh and properly refrigerated to avoid foodborne illness. Store-bought hummus typically contains preservatives that help maintain freshness, but homemade versions should be consumed within 3-4 days. If eating hummus at restaurants or from deli counters, verify it's been kept properly chilled. As with any food during pregnancy, moderation is key, and be cautious of added ingredients like excessive salt or unpasteurized ingredients that might be present in some specialty varieties.
Some key points to consider when consuming hummus during pregnancy include:
- Ensuring adequate protein intake, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association, which suggests 0.75 g/kg plus an additional 10 g/day 1
- Getting enough folate, with a recommended daily intake of 400 µg/day from fortified foods and/or a supplement, as well as food folate from a variety of foods 1
- Maintaining a balanced diet that results in appropriate weight gain, which generally supplies all the necessary vitamins and minerals for pregnancy 1
- Being mindful of nonnutritive sweeteners, which are safe to use during pregnancy but should be consumed in moderation 1
From the Research
Hummus Consumption During Pregnancy
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses the consumption of hummus during pregnancy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is essential to consider the general guidelines for food safety and dietary patterns during pregnancy.
- Pregnant women are advised to practice a high standard of food hygiene and personal cleanliness to protect themselves and their fetus from the consequences of foodborne illness 2.
- There is no mention of hummus as a specific food that should be avoided or consumed in moderation during pregnancy in the provided studies.
- It is crucial to note that the studies focus on broader topics such as foodborne infections, maternal dietary patterns, exercise guidelines, and the risk of allergic or autoimmune disease, rather than specific foods like hummus 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Food Safety and Hygiene
- Pregnant women should be aware of the risks associated with foodborne pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes and Toxoplasma gondii, which can be found in contaminated foods 2.
- Proper food handling, storage, and cooking techniques can help minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
- It is essential to follow general food safety guidelines, such as washing hands frequently, separating raw and cooked foods, and cooking foods to the recommended internal temperature.
Dietary Patterns and Pregnancy
- The studies suggest that maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy may influence the risk of allergic or autoimmune disease in the child 3, 5.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that oral supplementation with non-pathogenic micro-organisms (probiotics) during late pregnancy and lactation may reduce the risk of eczema in the child 5.
- However, there is no direct evidence to suggest that hummus consumption during pregnancy has a specific impact on the risk of allergic or autoimmune disease.