Examine the effects of a high-protein/low-glycemic-index

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the future-work section and limitations and stated research gap of the source papers, classified as general, spanning 3 journals.

Supporting evidence — 4 representative gaps

• Maternal Kafeterya Diyeti ve Omega-3 Takviyesi: Yetişkinlikte Metabolizma ve Davranış Üzerine Etkiler (2026) · Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi · doi

  Future research should examine the effects of other types of maternal diet or supplementation on offspring's metabolic parameters. Future research should investigate the mechanisms by which maternal diet and omega-3 supplementation affect offspring's health. Future research should develop nutritional interventions for pregnant women to improve offspring's health.

  generalfuture-work section
  Keywords: future research examine effects other types maternal diet
• Maternal high-fat and protein-restricted diets during gestation and lactation: thyroid-mediated disruption of basal metabolism across the lifespan of offspring - a narrative review (2026) · Nutrire · doi

  This narrative review examined the impact of restrictive and exacerbated diets, with a primary focus on the roles of macronutrients - proteins and lipids, respectively. We iden- tified significant effects while also highlighting important gaps in the literature. Among the limitations, the PRISMA methodology was not applied, as we aimed was to specifi- cally review studies addressing the maternal–offspring–thy- roid axis, avoiding exclusions that might overlook critical contexts for our discussion. Another limitation was the exclusion of other adverse maternal dietary conditions (e.g., caloric or micronutrient restriction, or excessive protein or carbohydrate intake). Nonetheless, we emphasized two major scenarios currently relevant: (1) limited access to food with insufficient protein intake, a condition frequently observed in socioeconomically vulnerable populations; and (2) excessive lipid intake, which encompasses the previ- ous context but also reflects modern dietary patterns, even within economically advantaged groups, largely driven by the consumption of ultra-processed, nutrient-poor foods. Finally, while this review focused specifically on thyroid outcomes, we acknowledge that similar maternal dietary manipulations have been associated with broader metabolic alterations. However, these findings were not included here, as they lack direct methodological evidence demonstrating effects on the thyroid gland itself. Despite all the limitations, this narrative is important for establishing the risks of maternal malnutrition in offspring, particularly in terms of metabolic programming and basal metabolism - strengthening the themes of metabolic pro- gramming and DOHaD. We also raise pressing questions about the need for studies that evaluate molecular aspects and biomarkers of these conditions, in addition to the evident Page 9 of 11 74 gap in the scientific knowledge regarding epidemiological data, necessary to compile public and interventionist poli- cies regarding maternal dietary risks to maternal-fetal health in the short, medium, and long term. Finally, this review fulfills its role in bringing clear, objective, and important insights into panoramas that plague humanity today, out- lining a detailed view of the thyroid, but also generating hypotheses and perspectives for future studies, character- izing in a holistic manner the maternal-descendant-thyroid nutrition interface.

  generallimitationsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: maternal review dietary thyroid important intake metabolic narrative effects limitations offspring conditions excessive protein finally
• Maternal high-protein/low-glycemic-index diet during pregnancy impairs offspring lipid profile–a randomized controlled trial (2026) · European Journal of Nutrition · doi

  There is a lack of studies examining the effects of a high-protein/low-glycemic-index diet during pregnancy on offspring body composition and metabolic health. The effects of maternal diet on offspring health are not well understood. There is a need for more research on the effects of dietary interventions during pregnancy on offspring health.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: there lack studies examining effects high-protein low-glycemic-index diet
• Maternal high-protein/low-glycemic-index diet during pregnancy impairs offspring lipid profile–a randomized controlled trial (2026) · European Journal of Nutrition · doi

  Further studies are needed to examine the effects of a high-protein/low-glycemic-index diet during pregnancy on offspring health. Studies should investigate the mechanisms by which the diet affects offspring lipid profile. Research should focus on developing dietary guidelines for pregnant women that promote healthy offspring outcomes.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 4/5
  Keywords: further studies needed examine effects high-protein low-glycemic-index diet

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