Is adlai rice from the Philippines safe for consumption during pregnancy?

Is Adlai Rice Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?

Yes, adlai rice (Job's tears/Coix lacryma-jobi) from the Philippines is safe to eat during pregnancy when consumed as part of a balanced diet that supports appropriate weight gain and provides adequate nutrients.

General Safety Framework

The provided evidence does not identify adlai rice among foods that pregnant women should avoid 1. No specific restrictions on whole grains or grain alternatives appear in pregnancy nutrition guidelines 2.

Nutritional Context for Pregnancy

Adlai rice can be incorporated into the recommended dietary pattern for pregnant women, which should emphasize:

• Whole grains as part of a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean protein 2
• A diet resulting in appropriate weight gain that generally supplies all vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy 1
• Nutrient-dense, whole foods in place of highly processed foods 3

Energy and Macronutrient Requirements

When incorporating adlai rice into your pregnancy diet, consider these guidelines:

• No additional calories are needed in the first trimester unless you begin pregnancy with depleted body reserves 2
• Add approximately 300 kcal/day during the second and third trimesters 1, 2
• Ensure adequate protein intake of 1.2 g/kg/day during early pregnancy (16 weeks) and 1.52 g/kg/day during late pregnancy (36 weeks) 2

Carbohydrate Distribution

For optimal blood glucose control and prevention of ketosis:

• Distribute carbohydrates throughout the day into three small-to-moderate meals and 2-4 snacks 1, 2
• Include an evening snack to decrease overnight hypoglycemia and fasting ketosis 1, 2
• Carbohydrate is generally better tolerated later in the day than at breakfast 2

Special Considerations for Women with Gestational Diabetes

If you have gestational diabetes, adlai rice can still be part of your meal plan, but requires careful monitoring:

• Maintain carbohydrate consistency at meals and snacks to facilitate insulin adjustments 1
• Use blood glucose monitoring data to evaluate the effectiveness of your food choices 1
• Work with a registered dietitian nutritionist to establish a personalized food plan 2

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

Never restrict calories below 1,200 calories/day, as hypocaloric diets result in ketonemia and ketonuria, which have been associated with lower intelligence scores in offspring at ages 2-5 years 1, 2.

• Monitor for ketones using daily food records, weekly weight checks, and ketone testing 1, 2
• Avoid diets that severely restrict any macronutrient class 2, 3

Practical Implementation

To safely incorporate adlai rice into your pregnancy diet:

• Use it as a substitute for white rice or other refined grains as part of a varied, nutrient-dense diet 2, 3
• Ensure your overall dietary pattern includes adequate protein, healthy fats with omega-3 fatty acids, and a variety of fruits and vegetables 2, 3
• Maintain appropriate weight gain based on your pre-pregnancy BMI: underweight women (BMI <19.8) should gain up to 18 kg total, normal-weight women should gain 0.5-0.9 kg/week during the second and third trimesters, and obese women (BMI >30) should limit total weight gain to 5.0-9.1 kg 2

Context from Filipino Pregnancy Nutrition Research

Studies of pregnant women in the Philippines have shown that dietary diversity and knowledge of nutritional sources are important factors in pregnancy nutrition 4, 5. Ensuring frequent and adequate dietary intake through varied food choices, including traditional grains like adlai rice, can support optimal maternal nutrition 5.