Fermented foods and preterm birth risk from a prospective large cohort study: the Japan Environment and Children’s study

Abstract Background The dietary pattern of pregnant women is known to be associated with preterm birth (PTB). We investigated whether PTB was associated with intake of fermented food by using data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. Methods From a data set of 103,099 pregnancies, 77,667 cases at low risk for PTB were analyzed. The primary outcome measurements were based on PTB. Fermented food (miso soup, yogurt, cheese, and fermented soybeans) consumption was assessed by using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results Intake of miso soup, yogurt, and fermented soybeans before pregnancy significantly reduced the risk of early PTB (