Eating amaranth flatbread daily significantly improved nutrition in pregnant women, according to a 2026 randomized controlled trial of 306 women in Ethiopia. Women consuming 200 grams of amaranth-chickpea flatbread daily for six months gained 2.23 kg more healthy weight, had arm measurements 1.72 cm larger, and showed better body mass index scores compared to women eating regular maize flatbread. Gram Research analysis shows this nutrient-rich grain could help pregnant women and babies stay healthier in areas with limited food access.
Researchers in Ethiopia tested whether a special flatbread made from amaranth grain could help pregnant women improve their nutrition. According to Gram Research analysis, 306 pregnant women either ate amaranth flatbread or regular maize flatbread every day for six months. The women who ate the amaranth flatbread gained more healthy weight, had bigger arm measurements, and showed better overall nutrition than those eating regular flatbread. This simple food change could help pregnant women and their babies stay healthier, especially in areas where good nutrition is hard to find.
Key Statistics
A 2026 randomized controlled trial of 306 pregnant women in Ethiopia found that daily consumption of 200 grams of amaranth flatbread increased gestational weight gain by 2.23 kg compared to regular maize flatbread over six months.
According to research reviewed by Gram, women eating amaranth flatbread had mid-upper arm circumference measurements 1.72 cm larger than women eating regular flatbread, indicating improved nutritional status.
A cluster randomized controlled trial with 306 participants showed that amaranth flatbread improved body mass index by 1.89 points in pregnant women with anemia over a six-month period.
Research from Ethiopia involving 293 pregnant women who completed the study found that amaranth-chickpea flatbread produced consistent nutritional improvements across all age groups and baseline health conditions.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether eating amaranth flatbread (a special grain bread) every day helps pregnant women get better nutrition and gain healthy weight during pregnancy.
- Who participated: 306 pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia who had mild to moderate anemia (low iron in their blood). They were split into two groups: 153 ate amaranth flatbread and 153 ate regular maize flatbread for six months.
- Key finding: Women eating amaranth flatbread gained about 2.3 kg more weight, had arm measurements that were 1.7 cm larger, and had better body mass index scores compared to women eating regular flatbread.
- What it means for you: If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy in areas with limited food choices, eating nutrient-rich grains like amaranth could help you and your baby stay healthier. However, this study was done in Ethiopia, so results may differ in other places.
The Research Details
This was a cluster randomized controlled trial, which means researchers randomly divided pregnant women into two groups to test if amaranth flatbread works better than regular flatbread. One group of 153 women ate 200 grams (about 7 ounces) of amaranth-chickpea flatbread every day, while the other group of 153 women ate regular maize flatbread. The study lasted six months, from September 2024 to February 2025. Researchers measured the women’s arm size, weight gain, and body mass index at the start and end of the study. They used special statistical methods to compare the two groups while accounting for other factors that might affect results.
This research design is important because it helps prove that amaranth flatbread actually causes the improvements, not just that healthier women happened to eat it. By randomly assigning women to groups and measuring them carefully over time, researchers can be confident the results are real and not due to chance.
This study is well-designed with 95.8% of participants completing it, which is very high. The researchers adjusted their analysis for many different factors that could affect results. No serious side effects were reported. The results stayed consistent when researchers tested them different ways, showing the findings are reliable.
What the Results Show
Women who ate amaranth flatbread showed significant improvements in three key measurements of nutrition. Their mid-upper arm circumference (the size around their upper arm) increased by 1.72 cm more than the control group. Their body mass index, which measures healthy weight for height, improved by 1.89 points more. Most importantly, their gestational weight gain (healthy weight gained during pregnancy) was 2.23 kg higher than women eating regular flatbread. These improvements were consistent across all types of women studied, whether they were younger or older, or had different starting nutrition levels.
The study found that the benefits of amaranth flatbread were similar for all women, regardless of their age or starting health condition. No women in either group experienced serious side effects from eating the flatbread daily. The improvements in nutrition happened steadily over the six-month period, suggesting that regular consumption is important for seeing benefits.
Previous research has shown that amaranth is very nutritious and contains important proteins, minerals, and vitamins. This study is one of the first rigorous tests of amaranth flatbread specifically for pregnant women. The results support earlier findings that nutrient-rich traditional grains can improve health when used regularly.
This study was done only in Southern Ethiopia, so results may not apply to all pregnant women worldwide. The study lasted six months, so we do not know if benefits continue longer. The study did not measure whether babies were born healthier or weighed more at birth, only whether mothers improved nutritionally. Women in the study had mild to moderate anemia, so results may differ for women with severe anemia or no anemia.
The Bottom Line
Pregnant women, especially those with low iron levels or poor nutrition, should consider eating amaranth flatbread or other amaranth-based foods daily. This recommendation is supported by strong evidence from this controlled trial. Talk with your doctor before making major changes to your diet during pregnancy.
Pregnant women in areas with limited access to diverse foods should pay attention to this research. Healthcare workers and nutrition programs in developing countries should consider adding amaranth to maternal nutrition programs. Women planning to become pregnant may also benefit from including amaranth in their diet.
Based on this study, improvements in nutrition measurements appeared over the six-month period of pregnancy. Women should expect to see gradual improvements in weight gain and arm measurements within the first few months of eating amaranth flatbread regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can amaranth flatbread help pregnant women gain healthy weight?
Yes, a 2026 trial of 306 pregnant women found that eating 200 grams of amaranth flatbread daily increased healthy weight gain by 2.23 kg over six months compared to regular flatbread. This improvement was consistent across different age groups.
How much amaranth flatbread should pregnant women eat daily?
The study used 200 grams (about 7 ounces) of amaranth-chickpea flatbread daily for six months. This amount produced significant improvements in nutrition measurements. Consult your doctor about the right amount for your individual needs.
Is amaranth flatbread safe to eat during pregnancy?
The study found no serious side effects in 306 pregnant women who ate amaranth flatbread daily for six months. However, individual responses may vary, so discuss any dietary changes with your healthcare provider before starting.
What makes amaranth better than regular wheat or maize flour?
Amaranth is a nutrient-dense pseudocereal containing more protein, minerals, and vitamins than regular grains. When combined with chickpeas in flatbread, it provides complete nutrition that helps pregnant women gain healthy weight and improve iron levels.
Will amaranth flatbread help my baby be born healthier?
This study measured improvements in the mother’s nutrition, not baby birth outcomes. While better maternal nutrition generally supports fetal development, the study did not track whether babies were born larger or healthier. More research is needed on this question.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily amaranth flatbread consumption (grams per day) and weekly measurements of arm circumference or weight gain to monitor if you are seeing similar improvements.
- Set a daily reminder to eat 200 grams of amaranth flatbread with meals. Start by replacing one regular bread serving per day with amaranth flatbread, then gradually increase to the full amount studied.
- Measure arm circumference weekly and track total weight gain monthly. Compare your measurements to baseline to see if you are gaining healthy weight at the expected rate during pregnancy.
This research was conducted in Southern Ethiopia and may not apply to all pregnant women in all settings. This article summarizes scientific findings and is not medical advice. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if they have existing health conditions, anemia, or are taking medications. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, health status, and pregnancy stage. Always work with your doctor or registered dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan during pregnancy.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.