Micronutrients & recovery

Higher fecal abundance of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium in pregnant women is associated with improved biochemical markers, including higher HDL-cholesterol, higher folic acid, and lower triglycerides.

For pregnant women, a gut microbiome with higher levels of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium is linked to better lipid profiles (higher HDL, lower triglycerides) and higher folic acid levels. Since folic acid is critical for fetal neural tube development, supporting these bacteria through a fiber-rich diet may be beneficial. However, this is an association, not a prescription for supplementation.