Preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks) remains a major contributor to infant mortality, long-term disabilities, and adult chronic disease. In India, despite improving neonatal care, preterm rates still contribute significantly to under-five mortality and developmental challenges. Emerging research suggests that simple dietary choices—like garlic and raisins—may reduce the risk of spontaneous preterm births.
A major study among nearly 19,000 Norwegian women in the MoBa cohort found that higher intake of allium vegetables (especially garlic) and dried fruits (especially raisins) was associated with a statistically significant 18% reduction in spontaneous preterm delivery overall (adjusted OR ≈ 0.82) and a stronger association for early preterm birth (28–31 weeks), with garlic intake linked to OR ≈ 0.47 for early deliveries. Raisins were specifically associated with a lower risk of preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM) (OR ≈ 0.71) .
These findings align with the broader evidence that healthier, more plant-based dietary patterns during pregnancy—rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and low in saturated fats and processed foods—are linked to lower preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age risk, per systematic reviews.
In the context of India, where garlic and dried fruits such as raisins, dates, figs, and apricots are culturally familiar and regularly consumed, these findings carry practical relevance. Even low intake levels—about one garlic clove per week or a small box of raisins per month—were associated with protective effects in the Norwegian study, levels well within typical Indian dietary habits.
Mechanistically, garlic contains allicin and related sulfur compounds known for broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects—including activity against bacteria and fungi associated with preterm labour triggers (e.g., E. coli, Candida spp., Streptococcus mutans)—while raisins and other dried fruits offer fibre, prebiotic benefits, and antimicrobial polyphenols that support healthy vaginal and gastrointestinal flora.
Only limited clinical trials have tested garlic supplementation. A 2023 intervention in women at high risk of preterm labour showed garlic tablet intake correlated with longer gestation, though the study did not measure vaginal microbiota directly and had limited statistical power.
In Indian settings, micronutrient adequacy during pregnancy remains a challenge: maternal diets often rely on cereals and vegetables, with frequent deficiencies in protein, iron, and fibre. Intake of dried fruit may be low among economically constrained women, despite traditional culinary use—which suggests scope for targeted dietary counselling.
What can Indian pregnant women do?
Incorporating foods like 1–2 garlic cloves weekly and a handful of raisins a few times a month in traditional meals—or adding raisins during snack time—may offer additional protection against spontaneous preterm birth without significant expense or risk. This should complement broader dietary advice: increased plant-based meals, whole grains, fruits, legumes, and a reduction of processed snacks and saturated fats.
References
• Myhre R. et al., J Nutr. 2013;143(7):1100–1108: large cohort study finding garlic and raisins associated with lower preterm birth and PPROM risk
• Gete DG, Waller M, Mishra GD. Br J Nutr. 2020;123(3):446–461: systematic review confirming plant-rich “prudent” diets reduce preterm birth & LBW risk
• NutritionFacts.org, “Garlic & Raisins to Prevent Premature Birth” (2014): video summary of MoBa cohort findings
• Niroomanesh S. et al., J J Nutr Pharmacol Pract. (2023): small garlic supplement RCT in high-risk women showing prolonged pregnancies
• Sharma S. et al., Front Nutr. 2020: review of Indian maternal diets highlighting cereal-vegetable reliance and low fruit/dry fruit intake among pregnant women
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