Abstract / Summary
Abstract Objective To investigate the associations between dietary intake of spermidine, spermine, and putrescine and the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods This cross-sectional study included 1,007 pregnant women (287 GDM, 720 non-GDM) who received prenatal care at the Hainan Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from August 2024 to April 2026. Dietary polyamine intake was calculated based on a food frequency questionnaire and a nutrient database. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to assess associations and dose-response relationships. Results After multivariable adjustment, participants in Q2 and Q3 of spermidine intake had 52% (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.00–2.31, P = 0.049) and 73% (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.09–2.75, P = 0.021) higher odds of GDM, respectively. For putrescine, Q3 was associated with 57% increased odds (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.00–2.46, P = 0.049). No significant association was observed for spermine. RCS analyses did not reveal significant nonlinear dose-response relationships. Sensitivity analyses excluding participants with polycystic ovary syndrome yielded consistent results (spermidine Q3: OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.18–3.06, P = 0.008). Conclusion Higher dietary spermidine and putrescine intakes were associated with increased GDM prevalence, while spermine showed no significant association. These findings suggest that dietary polyamines may influence glucose metabolism during pregnancy.