Produce Prescription + Smartphone Support for Pregnancy Nutrition

This trial focuses on helping pregnant women enhance their nutrition through a home delivery program that provides fresh produce and nutrition education. The study aims to determine if regular deliveries of fruits and vegetables can improve diet quality and whether a smartphone app with an AI chatbot for cooking tips makes a difference. Participants will receive produce with either standard education (Produce Prescription Program) or additional support from the app. Pregnant women receiving prenatal care at high-risk clinics, particularly those who are overweight or have a history of pregnancy complications, are well-suited for this trial. This study could be especially beneficial for those in Harris County, TX, who may face challenges accessing healthy food options. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance nutrition for pregnant women.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

Research shows that produce prescription programs are generally safe and well-received. Studies have found that these programs can boost health by increasing fruit and vegetable intake and reducing food insecurity. Participants reported positive results, such as better diet quality and improved prenatal health, without major side effects. By providing fresh produce and nutrition education, the program is considered safe for most people, including pregnant women.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Produce Prescription Program (PPRx) because it offers a fresh approach to pregnancy nutrition by combining regular deliveries of fresh produce with modern digital tools. Unlike traditional nutrition programs that may rely solely on educational materials or supplements, PPRx provides biweekly deliveries of diverse fruits and vegetables, ensuring direct access to healthy foods. Additionally, the integration of a smartphone app with an AI chatbot for real-time cooking suggestions sets it apart, offering personalized and immediate support for expecting mothers. This combination of tangible food resources and innovative digital support has the potential to significantly improve dietary habits and overall health during pregnancy, making it a standout option in the realm of prenatal nutrition.

Research has shown that programs providing fruit and vegetable vouchers can improve pregnancy-related health issues like high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. By increasing fruit and vegetable intake, these programs enhance overall diet quality and reduce the risk of food insecurity. Studies have found that these programs benefit heart and metabolic health by encouraging more consumption of fruits and vegetables. In this trial, one group of participants will receive the Produce Prescription Program (PPRx) Standard, while another group will receive the same program plus a smartphone app with AI for cooking tips. This app can simplify healthy meal preparation, boosting the program's effectiveness. These methods appear promising for supporting healthier pregnancies.¹²³⁶⁷