Ensuring nutritional adequacy during pregnancy is one of the necessary factors to achieve favorable pregnancy outcomes. In order to clarify the current optimal diet for achieving favorable pregnancy outcomes among East Asian women, we conducted a systemic literature review. English and Japanese articles were searched using PubMed and Igaku Chuo Zasshi. A total of 167 papers were retrieved, and six papers were finally selected for review. Five studies were conducted prospectively, and one was a case-control study. No significant associations were observed between dietary intakes and infant birthweight, but low intakes of fat and vitamin E were associated with preterm birth risk. Maternal diet with various food groups including vegetables was associated with higher birthweight and lower risk of preterm birth. A balanced diet with a combination of diverse food groups may be effective in achieving favorable pregnancy outcomes.
Keywords: diet; fetal growth; nutrients; pregnancy; review.