Influência da dieta materna na formação do paladar e hábitos alimentares da criança: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation on the development of children's taste and eating habits. Methods: An exploratory literature review was conducted using PubMed and BVS databases, including articles from 2012 to 2023. Descriptors used included Breastfeeding, Taste, Eating Habits, Maternal Diet, and Flavor. Inclusion criteria considered studies conducted in humans, published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, and available in full. Reviews, original articles, and clinical trials were analyzed. Results: The initial search did not yield a sufficient number of articles, making a secondary search in the references necessary, resulting in 8 articles from 1995 to 2014. Studies indicated that repeated exposure to flavors during pregnancy, via amniotic fluid, and during lactation, through breast milk, positively influences children’s taste and facilitates the acceptance of new foods. Conclusion: Maternal diet significantly influences the formation of children’s food preferences and eating behavior. Early and repeated exposure to different flavors may facilitate healthier choices during food introduction.